Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe
Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe | |
|---|---|
O'Keefe in December 2011 | |
| Mayor of Biloxi, Mississippi | |
| In office 1973–1981 | |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| In office 1960–1964 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1923 Ocean Springs, Mississippi, US |
| Died | August 23, 2016 (aged 93) Biloxi, Mississippi, US |
| Cause of death | Heart failure |
| Children | 13; including Jeremiah IV |
| Nicknames |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy, United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal (2) Congressional Gold Medal |
Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe III (July 12, 1923 – August 23, 2016) was an American fighter ace, Democratic Party politician, insurance executive, and funeral director. As a Marine pilot in World War II he received the Navy Cross for five of the seven kills he recorded over Okinawa. After the war he entered politics, serving as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960 to 1964 and as the mayor of Biloxi, Mississippi, from 1973 to 1981. The most prominent funeral homeowner in Biloxi, he won a $500 million jury award in a contractual dispute with the rival funeral home company Loewen Group, later settling for $175 million.
O'Keefe was a major donor to and chief fundraiser for the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum Of Art, named after his wife Annette, and many other civic, cultural and charitable organizations. His son, Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe IV, also served as a state legislator.
O'Keefe was portrayed by actor Tommy Lee Jones in the 2023 film The Burial.