James R. Keaton was born in Kentucky and graduated from the National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio, in 1884. That same year he became a school principal at Hico, Texas, and was the editor of the Hico Courier. He left Texas to earn his law degree from Georgetown University and was admitted to the bar in 1890. Keaton was admitted to practice in Oklahoma Territory, settled in Guthrie and soon formed a partnership with Judge John H. Cotteral. In September, 1896, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma Territory and assigned to the Third Judicial District. He became active in city and state affairs, particularly those of the Oklahoma State Bar Association, where he also served as president. His special interest was the advancement of qualifications to become a lawyer, and was held in high regard by his fellow Oklahomans as well as by members of the American Bar Association, where he served as vice president in the early 1930’s.