Jimmy Keep was a World War II veteran and a stern Memphis Grizzlies fan who passed away today at the age of 89, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Last season, Keep went to a Grizzlies game and sat courtside after being featured by the Commercial Appeal about being a survivor of Iwo Jima. Keep was able to meet his favorite Grizzly, Zach Randolph.
I ?@MacBo50!! Thankful for Mr. Joe and all our veterans for their service. #Grizzlies#Memphispic.twitter.com/rzuJzVfmUR
— Sandy Smith (@alaskansmith) March 7, 2015
Upon the news of Keep’s passing, Randolph tweeted this in tribute to his “hero”:
Rest in peace, WWII / Iwo Jima Veteran & MY hero, Jimmy Keep. #AllHeart thoughts & prayers go out to the Keep family pic.twitter.com/5JAy0kKzEw
— Zach Randolph (@MacBo50) March 21, 2016
On Saturday night, when Randolph recorded his first ever triple-double, Keep watched his Grizzlies for the last time.
From the Commercial Appeal:
On Saturday night, less than 24 hours before he died, Keep watched his last Grizzlies game on TV. As if on cue, Randolph emerged from a seven-game layoff to deliver one of the best performances of his career. He registered his first ever triple double — 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists — to lead injury-depleted Memphis to an improbable 113-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Mickey Keep heard his father excitedly describe how his favorite Grizzly was playing.
“That’s my man Z-Bo, kicking their ass,” the old Marine had said.
