James Layton Kieffer

James Layton Kieffer, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Jim was born on October 25, 1940, to the late Thelma Louise Arpe and William Lewis Kieffer, Sr. in Washington, DC. He was raised in Great Falls, VA.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sheron Kieffer, as well as his daughters Christine Walker (Chris), Karen Lindeen, Sherry Basso (Johnny), and son James L. Kieffer, Jr. He was lovingly known as “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren Anna, Aidan, Lila, Scarlet, Erica, Tony, and Michael. Jim is also survived by his brother, Jack H. Kieffer and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and loving relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, William L. Kieffer, Jr.

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his unwavering faith, singing on Sunday with his beloved choirs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waldorf, MD, and The Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Myrtle Beach, SC. He is also known for his love of boating, water skiing, golf, music and his exceptional talent playing the drums. In his early days, he jammed with future stars like Willie Nelson, Jimmy Dean, and Merle Haggard. He had a long career as a skilled electrician with IBEW, Local 26, in Washington, DC, and worked on numerous electrical projects in the DC, MD, and VA area, including the Pentagon and the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant. He retired in 2002 from Al Gleeson Electrical Co., Bladensburg, MD, after many years as a project manager.

In recent years, he regaled his family (and the Pine Lakes neighborhood) with annual Christmas and Independence Day drumming concerts. Jim could often be found at the beach or at home with a fire burning and one of his beloved cats warming his lap.

Celebrations of Jim’s life will be held on March 8 at 2pm at The Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 4221 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, and on March 11 at 1pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 4535 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD 20602. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Building Fund at The Episcopal Church of the Messiah at the above address, to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the above address, or to the charity of your choice.

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