Obituary - James Martin Keane

KEANE, James Martin, age 80, died on March 10, 2013 surrounded by his beloved family in Nesconset, NY from complications of multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife Geraldine, Children Patricia (Christopher) Guercio, Jennifer (Joseph) McSweeney, and James (Michelle) Keane, loving Poppy to nine grandchildren Stephanie, Matthew, Caitlin, Christina, Kelly, Megan, Erin, Kaylee, and Jenna. Loving brother Patrick (Marie) Keane and pre-deceased by sister Helen (Shaun) O’Sullivan.

Jim was born in the Bronx. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician Mate for four years aboard the USS Midway during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged he embarked on a successful career in television communications.

He was employed by a company named Chyron, where he became the Vice President of Engineering. Jim was a great friend to everyone he knew and a mentor to anyone who sought his guidance. He developed Chyron 3, a leading-edge, small graphics system that expanded sports production graphics capabilities, advancing graphics for baseball, football, basketball and many other events. He was leader in the development effort of breakthrough system, the Chyron 4, which revolutionized graphics on television.

Jim was an outstanding leader. He stood up for his people and was always very supportive. He had strong opinions, and was never afraid to voice them. In addition he was very competitive, whether at racquetball, tennis, or the chessboard. He enjoyed the competition, but never took the result personally either way; another life lesson.

After leading the Chyron 4 project, which turned into the most lucrative and industry-changing graphics product Chyron ever built, Jim became head of International Marketing. At that time, Chyron had no international marketing. He traveled extensively internationally, Europe, South America, Asia, the Middle East. Within a year or two, international revenue became a major portion of Chyron’s income, all due to Jim’s efforts.

Jim always took the time to learn about the history of where he was headed, take in the sights and enjoy wherever he was.

Jim worked closely on developing foreign language capabilities for the Chyron systems. Since he did not understand any of the languages, it was an interesting challenge, but Jimmy’s insight and thoughtfulness helped the company through some frustrating issues. In the end, it turned into a very successful product for Chyron.

After Chyron, Jim joined NBC, where he worked on many projects and challenges. He set the philosophy and approach to NBC’s new on-air operations. In 1996, the idea was mostly a dream. But Jim had the insight to understand that changing the process was as important, if not more so, than changing the technology. It placed NBC ahead of its competitors by almost a decade. His counsel, advice and guidance on everything from technology to management, were highly valued and sought after.

He remained physically and intellectually active until the end of his life. He was an immensely capable, warm, articulate man with an endless reserve of humor, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Religious Service was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R C Church, Smithtown, NY. Interment followed at Pinelawn Memorial Park

Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family.

Online guest book at www.branchfh.com