Jeanne S. Keevil, the first editor of Irvine World News and a prominent Orange County journalist, passed away at the age of 96 on December 15 at her residence in Portland, Oregon. Keevil, who chronicled the city of Irvine from its inception in 1971 until her retirement two decades later, played a pivotal role in documenting the growth and development of the master-planned community. Her dedication to providing fair and accurate reporting, independent from the views of the Irvine Company, established Irvine World News as a trusted source of information.
Born in Philadelphia on January 17, 1927, Keevil had several encounters with history during her lifetime. She witnessed the wreckage of the Hindenburg in New Jersey with her parents in 1937 and even had the opportunity to meet Helen Keller, who warmly greeted her by tracing the contours of her face. These experiences shaped Keevil’s perspective and in her later years, she found herself drawn to journalism.
In a predominantly male-occupied profession, Keevil chose to pursue a career in journalism after serving as the editor of her high school newspaper. Recognizing the University of Oregon’s renowned journalism school, she enrolled as a student in 1944. Keevil’s time at the Oregon Daily Emerald, where she worked as a reporter, news editor, and managing editor, provided invaluable opportunities for growth and development, as fewer men were present due to their enlistment in World War II.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in 1948, Keevil moved to California and began her career as a reporter, covering various cities including Beaumont, Tracy, and Hemet. It was during this time that she met Tom Keevil, then the editor of the Banning Record, whom she married in July 1954. The couple settled in Costa Mesa and had two daughters, Katie and Connie. Despite their eventual divorce, their shared love for newspapers remained strong. Their conversations often revolved around stories they read and mistakes they found, making journalism an integral part of their daily lives.
Following her divorce, Keevil worked for the Leisure World Weekly and the Saddleback Valley News in Mission Viejo before becoming the first editor of Irvine World News. Established in 1970, the publication preceded the official incorporation of the city of Irvine on December 28, 1971. Keevil and her team at Irvine World News strived to provide unbiased reporting while balancing the interests of their parent company, the Irvine Company.
In a 1988 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Keevil emphasized her commitment to journalism and maintaining the publication’s credibility. She stated, I am a journalist. I am not a company advocate. We are not an Irvine Co. house organ. Our credibility is as high as we could hope for. Keevil’s dedication to journalistic integrity earned her the John (Sky) Dunlap award for life achievement in journalism in 1989. Her contributions to the field have also been recognized through her inclusion in the city of Irvine’s Wall of Recognition.
Keevil is survived by her daughters, Katie Essick and Connie Quinley, along with their spouses. She also leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A service in her memory is scheduled for January 20 at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church in Portland, with an option for livestreaming. Donations can be made in Keevil’s honor to the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, in accordance with her wishes.
The passing of Jeanne S. Keevil marks the end of an era in the world of journalism. Her dedication, unwavering commitment to accuracy, and passion for storytelling have left an indelible mark on the community she chronicled for decades. Irvine World News owes much of its success to Keevil’s pioneering efforts and her unwavering determination to provide the public with fair and honest reporting. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists who strive to uphold the highest standards of the profession.
