Is Jimmy Keene Married? Where is Jimmy Keene’s Family Now? – The crime drama “Black Bird” for Apple TV+ is based on the true account of James “Jimmy” Keene, a former drug associate who received a ten-year prison term. If the man from Chicago is successful in getting alleged serial killer Larry DeWayne Hall to confess to killing Tricia Reitler, he will have the chance to be released from prison.
The show provides a small glimpse into Jimmy’s personal life and his ties with his family members, in addition to Larry’s horrific life and Jimmy’s goal to befriend him for the FBI, as an FBI Operative. Let us be your ally if viewers are curious to learn more about Jimmy’s family life, especially after his release from prison!
Also Read: Who Narrates in the ‘Black Bird’ TV Series? Who Gives His Voice?
Jimmy Keene: Is He Married?
Jimmy Keene has chosen to keep his personal life private, so his current marital status remains unknown. In the limited passages of his memoir, “In with the Devil,” Jimmy Keene does not mention getting married. Additionally, it’s unclear if he’s single or in a committed relationship right now. According to what Jimmy told the public, he seemed to be living a good life since being released from prison in 1999.
“Keene had regrets regarding his love life to some extent. Jimmy regretted not nurturing a serious connection,” according to the author in the original source text, which was first published in 2010. The author also writes in the book, “He never had the long-term connection he wanted: a lady he could marry and have children with.” Jimmy was in a relationship with a woman at the time of his arrest. When Jimmy “could settle the allegations against him,” the couple decided it would be best for her to remain with her family. However, after meeting someone new, the couple appeared to have broken up.
Jimmy’s last girlfriend at the time the original text was published was Tina, who had done everything in her power to free him from jail. When Jimmy decided to make friends with Larry and coax a confession out of him, Larry was at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, and their friendship came to an end.
Where is the family of Jimmy Keene now?
Jimmy Keene’s marital status is not publicly known, but he has shared insights into his love life and family relationships through his writings and personal updates. In his book, he spoke extensively about his parents, siblings, and particularly his father, James “Big Jim” Keene. When Jimmy was incarcerated, Big Jim suffered a stroke. Witnessing his father’s declining health spurred Jimmy to secure his release from prison as quickly as possible. He succeeded, leaving prison in 1999 with his entire record completely erased and cleared—a remarkable outcome that left him with no criminal record to this day, not even a traffic ticket. Jimmy lived with his father from 1999 until 2004, when Big Jim passed away from a heart attack on November 28, 2004, at the age of 67. Notably, prior to the single conspiracy charge that led to his incarceration, Jimmy also had a completely clear record.
Reflecting on his father’s death in In with the Devil, Jimmy wrote, “I’m still in shock over my dad’s passing. I ponder him every day. Sometimes, after something occurs, I pick up the phone and get ready to contact him to inform him about it. That booming, deep voice of his will always be etched in my memory. I hear it like we just chatted yesterday.”
Jimmy also spoke warmly of his mother, Lynn, in his book, though her current whereabouts remain private. He wrote, “My mother, Lynn, of whom I am very proud for conquering all her difficulties and obstacles in life and for standing by me in my darkest period.”
Regarding his love life, Jimmy describes himself as “always lucky in love and with the ladies.” He has shared details about a past relationship with a steady girlfriend that ended after a significant betrayal. During a brief separation, she became pregnant by another man and falsely claimed the child was Jimmy’s. A paternity test proved otherwise, leading him to end the relationship. He notes that she now has three children by three different fathers and struggles as a single mother, while he considers himself fortunate to have “dodged that bullet.” In contrast, Jimmy highlights the presence of great women in his life, particularly one who has been with him for over 20 years. He describes her as a “wonderful, great person,” a doctor, and his best friend.
Jimmy’s life story is one of resilience and triumph. He was born into a broken family in one of the most crime-ridden areas in the nation at the time and moved out at 17 with no money to his name. Despite these challenges, Jimmy built an impressive legacy early on. By the age of 20, he owned several successful legal businesses—two of which he still owns today, each generating multi-million-dollar annual revenues. Even while managing these ventures, he remained committed to his education and athletic pursuits, playing football and wrestling in college. After a short break, he graduated with both a BA and a Master’s degree, a significant achievement given his circumstances.
Today, Jimmy continues to thrive as a multi-millionaire through his legal enterprises, a status he has maintained since his early 20s. Based primarily in Chicago, Illinois, he often travels to Los Angeles, California, for business in Hollywood or a getaway vacation. Since his release, he has expanded his creative portfolio, writing several additional books. He is currently working on Black Bird 2, based on his book Chicago Phoenix, and has another original movie entering full production within six months, with more film projects on the horizon—all of which he created.
As for his siblings, Jimmy’s sister, Terri Lynn, works as a real estate agent in Tampa, Florida. His brother, Timothy “Timmy” Keene, lives just a couple of houses down from Beaumont in Chicago and runs one of Jimmy’s businesses, where he has achieved significant success.
You can watch the “Black Bird” series on Apple TV+.
