Jim S. Kerr
August 3, 1933 ~ December 6, 2013
Jim S. Kerr, 80, of Mooresville died Friday, December 6, 2013 at his home. He was born August 3, 1933 in Geneva, IN to the late Lester and Helen Kerr.
Jim received his degree from Purdue University and worked as a civil engineer for Conrail where he retired after 33 years of service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mooresville, where he and his wife were involved with the Henderson Team and numerous other church programs. His interests included following the Green Bay Packers and Purdue football and crafting model airplanes out of balsa wood. He will be fondly remembered for regularly attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and programs. He had a contagious smile with a great sense of humor and never knew a stranger.
Surviving is his wife, Ginny Hobbs Willhite- Kerr; his seven children, Doug Kerr ( Dee) of Brownsburg, Marci Evenson ( Brent) of Bloomington, IL, Jayne McAllister (Jeff) of Foutaintown, IN, Rob Kerr (Sally) of Mooresville, Patty Longo (Bob) Fairland, IN, Julie Sanders (Randy) of Indianapolis and Tammie Vanderipe (Mike) of Carmel. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 4 PM Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Mooresville with Pastor Dennis Peyton conducting services. Visitation will be held from 1PM until 4 PM at the church on Tuesday. Private Burial will be held at White Lick Cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Carlisle- Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Mooresville or the American Heart Association. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to sign the guest registry or share a memory.
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Daddy, I have learned so much from you throughout the years. I remember you showing me how to make match stick forts and use my imagination on what to put in it. Now I use my imagination and creativity in making crafts and growing a vegetable garden. I planted rhubarb just for you and I am thankful I was able to make my first pie just for you this year. I will miss seeing you in your Packers hat and camo pants. I will always make sure to have Duct tape in the house for those little fixer-uppers. I will always love you and I will do my best to live the way you taught me. Patty
Patty Sorry for your loss and we are all better to have known your dad.
GINNY AND FAMILY, JIM WAS A TRUE PATRIARCH AND A ROCK FOR ALL THE FAMILY. HE WAS ALWAYS SUCH A FRIENDLY AND CONSIDERATE MAN. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR COUSIN REUNIONS AND WE WILL MISS HIM. TOM AND MARYANN KERR
When you married my Mom 29 years ago, you treated Tam and I no different than your own. Even though the move to Pittsburgh was difficult, you cheered us up by taking us on sight-seeing tours (getting ‘misplaced, not lost’), Pirates games, 4th of July at the Pointe, and even killing a snake in the backyard (which turned out to be a hose–but you saved us all). The day I lost my job, you wrapped your arm around me and announced we were moving back to Indy. The night before I moved out of the house, you had me sit on the arm of your chair and explained that I would be ok, I’m always welcomed back, I could do this. You were the epitome of ‘the family man’ and every young man today needs to aspire to be like you–love your family no matter who they are, what they do…and treat everyone AS family. I love you and will miss you–the family rock.
Love you Julie.
Very well said… Love you
What does one say in a situation like this, as to HONOR ones life???? Well I guess a good start would be how I know Mr Kerr. I have known Mr Kerr since 1970 via moving in across the street from the Kerr family at age 8. While a novel could be composed, as thoughts and fond memories wash through my mind more rapid than a flash flood, the strongest and most familiar attribute that describes this man is this: I formed my definition of the descriptive Father at a young age and hold this belief to this day. Father is an EARNED title and not a given title. With that stated Mr Kerr was one of the first men that solidified my assertion of this belief and value. There are several Life circumstances that proved this, but I will name just a few. FIRST is absolutely his engagement in the development and LiFES of EVERY one of his children (PERIOD can’t be disputed ) I still to this day remember watching him play catch with his son ROB and how envious I was of this. Rob was a very good baseball player and I would be safe to say that was as a result of daily practice with his DAD. Second I can not remember Mr Kerr doing or participating in any activity FOR HIMSELF, rather everything he did was centered around his children which visibly brought him much joy. As we become adults our behavior, belief system and values are modeled after our parents or other role models. Mr Kerr’s behavior as a dad is evidenced by the legacy he left his children of being engaged parents. Have a talk with Doug, Marci, Jane, Rob, or Patty and the conversation will shift to talking about their children at some point. In addition to his being a great father and role model, Mr Kerr was an engaged Neighbor, in that it did not matter if you were one of his children, If you did something wrong, crazy, or Bad you would receive counsel or your parents would hear about it. It was not always bad news either because on the other side of the coin he would give you an ‘atta-boy’ at times as well. This I know because I lived and experienced this 1st hand. In closing this tribute I would be remiss if I failed to share part of my conversation with Rob when learning of Mr Kerr passing. Rob shared that he had total peace, and calm with his Dad passing because the presence of his dad was just as strong if not stronger than when they were together. WOW!!! What a final gift he has given to Rob. Once again Mr Kerr continues earning the Title he was most proud of: DAD! Job well done Mr Kerr you probably had minimal knowledge of how many life’s you influenced while in this world. I just wish I could have had the courage to have told you the above, but now you know. Brian Haskett
Thank you Brian, this means so much to us. I too am at peace with his passing, my Dad prepared us all for this moment. Thank you for sharing your memory. – Patty
Bless your heart, Brian. Thanks- Marci
I’m sure we cousins can all remember the multiple New Year’s Eves that we spent over there… When we would spend all day ripping up paper to have confetti only to pick it up right after we threw it. Grandpa Jim was a great man and will always be in our great memories I can’t think of a bad time. I love you grandpa.
My Dad was my hero. He let me and my one year old daughter, Melissa, move in with him while I went to college. For four years he was our sole support. Never did he make us feel like a burden. We were his family. He was the solid foundation of our family, our number one fan. From him I learned: 1.) No problem is too big, as long as we face it together. 2.) Relationships are life. 3.) There is no time for feeling sorry for yourself, even when times are hard. 4.) We are the hands and feet of God.5.) Laugh. Thanks Dad! Pure love, Marci
Marci so so sorry to learn of your Fathers passing what fond memories and respect i have for him.
Mary, I remember conversations we have had about your family vacations that your family took when growing up. Dad was with you even when you had children. You continue to carry on the family summer vacations with your immediate family and your siblings. Your father had a great influence on his family and will be missed dearly. You will have cherished memories that you can rely on often to ease his passing. They will bring joy and tears to you when you need them the most. I am thinking and praying for all of you.
Thanks, Deb. Joy and tears, that about sums it up!