James Edward Kerns

James (Jim) Edward Kerns, who was born to Harvey and Mary Swalls Kerns in Terre Haute, IN, on November 18, 1940, took his first step in heaven on July 12, 2026. He was eagerly looking forward to this event after he was told that health issues would soon take his life.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Dorothy (Ralph) Kerns Hitchmough of Shelburn, IN, as well as Dorothys two sons Ronnie and Randy Hitchmough. He will be missed by Dorothy's daughters Brenda (Ed) Utterback and Erline McFarland and her children. He was a father figure for Randy's daughter, Angie (Brad) Okes and her sons. They loved him well to the end. Randy's son, Justin (Samantha) Hitchmough also survives Jim.

James, known as Jim for his entire life, did not marry nor have any children. He worked as a licensed machinist and was employed by Case International for 15 years where he met his longtime friend, Glenn.

He rose to a leadership position as a journeyman tool & die maker with Case during his time in their employ. He has been retired for 23 years, working at home in his own machine shop. Having a brilliant mind, he loved using his skills to invent solutions and items to make the world better. He invented several small items that were not yet patented but was very proud of them. As a young man, he loved hunting and being outdoors. He had a strong Christian faith from a young age, and often told others about his faith.

Jim truly enjoyed a close relationship with his many local relatives. He has an older brother, Ralph Eugene Kerns, and a younger brother Jerry Ray Kerns who will miss him terribly along with their wives Wilma and Irma. Ralph and Wilma Kerns' children Gary (Merly) Kerns and Sharon (Greg) Andis and her children also survive Jim and celebrate his life. Jerry and Irma Kerns' children Myra (Todd) Bedwell,

Aaron Kerns, and Greg Kerns, along with Myra and Todd's two daughters, as well as many grandchildren, survive their uncle Jim and will miss him, but rejoice his homecoming.

Graveside services will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Terre Haute, IN, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00am. Ed Utterback will be officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.

Online Condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com