James "Jim" Kerns

James William Kerns passed away on February 12, 2020 at the Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, Iowa. He was born February 5, 1935 in Burlington, Iowa to Herman Kerns and Gladys (Lambertson) Kerns. His siblings are Marjorie (Kerns) Schwenker, Don Kerns, and Evelyn (Kerns) Pritchard. Jim graduated from Clarke County High School in 1954. The childhood years were spent in Osceola. Jim was energetic. He had a newspaper route, was the Lyric Theatre projectionist, helped in his father's business and spent an abundant amount of time in assorted outdoor activities. After his high school graduation he served in the United States Army until 1956. Jim married Anne (Heston) Kerns on June 30, 1957. They were blessed with four children: Bill, Jeff, Jill, and Mike. For thirty years he worked at Hy-Vee Distribution Center and Headquarters in Chariton. He began as a truck mechanic. Eventually, a position was created for maintenance supervisor. The job required Jim to supervise the maintenance of the distribution center and headquarter facilities. He worked this position for 15 years. He gave back to the community as Boy Scouts leader, Adult Education, Interchurch Council (founding member) and Chariton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Jim and Anne loved to travel both long and short distance. When the family was young they had fun traveling to Minnesota, Colorado, California and Oregon. Jim and Anne took trips to Spain and Alaska to see their daughter Jill when she lived in these places. In Jim and Anne's later years they loved to do day trips to sightsee in Lucas County and southern Iowa. The family spent much time outdoors through picnics, hiking, canoeing, sightseeing and sledding. He had a passion for traditional country music and classical music and would listen to other styles of music as well. Retirement did not slow him down. He continued to live a lively existence through woodworking, stained glass, auctions, building primitive furniture, collectibles and antiques. Without fanfare, Jim helped many people with home repairs, donations to outreach groups and other ways. Jim was a man of faith. He was baptized at the Osceola Christian Church and was a member at the Chariton Christian Church since 1960. His faith reflected many Christ-like qualities: fun, humility, kindness, generosity, forgiveness and love. Through his faith he was comfortable and cared deeply for the poor and marginalized as well as the most successful person. Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Anne Kerns; 4 children: Bill (Barb Grabner-Kerns) Kerns, Jeff (Donna) Kerns, Jill Kerns, and Mike (April) Kerns; 5 grandchildren: Jacob, Emily, Abby, Elizabeth, and Samuel; 8 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; and 2 siblings, Marjorie Schwenker and Evelyn Pritchard. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Gladys (Lambertson) Kerns; and his brother, Donald Kerns. Memorials may be given to either Chariton Christian Church or Lucas County Interchurch Council. Visitation is Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and Funeral Service is Monday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. The visitation and funeral service will be held at the Chariton Christian Church. Dave Hobbs, minister at Chariton Methodist Church, will preside at the funeral service. Funeral arrangements are made by Pierschbacher Funeral Home. Visitation

FEB 16. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CST)

Chariton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

1027 Ilion

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

Service

FEB 17. 11:00 AM (CST)

Chariton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

1027 Ilion

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]