James L. Keeler ’57, Life Trustee, died July 19, 2026. He was 91.
Born in Roanoke, Va., Keeler graduated from Bridgewater College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1957. A Certified Public Accountant, he also earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1983.
He founded the accounting firm of Keeler Phibbs, CPAs, and practiced law as a partner at Wharton, Aldhizer and Weaver. He ended his career as the Chief Executive Officer of WLR Foods, leading it through its growth into a public Fortune 500 company. In 1995, he was named Business Person of the Year by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Virginia Society of CPAs, as Chairman of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and on numerous boards and executive committees for local, regional and state organizations.
Keeler joined the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees in 1974 and served as the Board’s Chairman from 2003-2009. He received the College’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sandra Barnhart Keeler ’70, and is survived by his four children, Mark Keeler, Tracy Budd ’90, Steve Keeler and Greg Keeler ’84, along with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Published: October 9, 2026
