James Edwin Keisler

James Edwin Keisler, son, brother, husband, father, mathematician, educator, grandfather (affectionately known as Gramps), great grandfather, cheerful and generous mentor and role model, died on March 20, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born on August 20, 1929.

After a brief tour of service in the Army, he earned his PhD from the University of Michigan in 1959 and thereafter worked as a mathematics professor at LSU until his retirement in 1994. He was precise and rigorous in his thinking and his language. Following his retirement from LSU, he volunteered with the AARP tax preparation service for many years.

He and his cherished wife Patience enjoyed traveling for family reunions and for math, education and church events, and, especially, traveling as “Oma” and “Gramps” to spend time with their grandchildren. Later in life they enjoyed independent living at St. James Place in Baton Rouge, where he was known for his buoyant spirit and his daily walks wearing one of his favorite hats. No doubt he and Patience are enjoying a hot cup of coffee together today.

He was a life-long Lutheran and was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge for more than 65 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend E. Bryan and Mabel Sease Keisler, his wife of 70 years, Patience Weidt Keisler, brother Frank Keisler, sister Bettye Glover, and his son Jim; and he is survived by sister MaryAnn Thomas, sister-in-law Norma Jeanne McGillick, sons Paul (Cheryl) and Bill (Marcia), daughter-in-law Eileen Hayes Keisler, grandchildren Diane Keisler, Lauren Brown, Ariel Brown, Gail Cantu (Roger), Katherine Starkey (Josh), Jake Keisler (Emily) and great grandchildren Olivia, Bella, Ricardo, Eloise, Santiago, Henry, Hannah and Quinn.

A service in celebration of his life is planned to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on April 18, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church.