| Graduation Year | Class of 1978 |
| Date of Birth | Sep 29, 1959 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 25, 2015 |
| About | James Kerner Obituary Fins Up! An avid fisherman and a devoted Jimmy Buffet fan, James Bert Kerner passed away at home with his family at his side, after a short bout with cancer. He was born Sept. 29, 1959, in Petoskey, the youngest of five children. He served his country in the United States Army from 1982-1985. Jim lived in Beulah, Mich., for a long period, where he raised his three children. Jim was active in their school and extracurricular activities, including coaching baseball and Pop Warner football. Jim moved to Midland, Michigan in 2006, continuing his passion for fishing. Jim had recently taken up photography and woodworking (also known as making his wife's Pinterest board come to life). While he loved taking pictures, he really loved seeing pictures and videos of his grandsons, Oliver and Brooks. They could bring a smile to his face in an instant. With a granddaughter on the way, she surely would have wrapped Grandpa around her little finger. On Sept. 10, 2010, Jim married his partner in crime, Sharon. They spent their nine years together, exploring all the wonderful things Midland has to offer: Dow Gardens, Tunes by the Tridge and Whiting Forest. One of Jim's loves was baseball â€" he loved his Tigers and he loved Midland's Great Lakes Loons. From the inaugural season, Jim and Sharon spent many summer evenings attending Loons games. Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon (Hartnagle) Kerner; and his three children, Brandon (Jenny) Kerner of Flower Mound, Texas, Tyler Kerner and Kacie Kerner, both of Beulah, and by his stepson, Anthony DeFrancesco (Jinin) of Land O'Lakes, Fla. He leaves behind his two grandsons, Oliver DeFrancesco and Brooks Kerner; as well as his granddaughter (known as Beatrice in this household) due to arrive in September. Also surviving is his brother, John (Ella) Kerner; and his three sisters, Susan (Butch) Kolinske, Melody Sheldon and Kathy Sandomierski. He will be greatly missed by many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edna Kerner; a son, Joseph Kerner; and his beloved English Bulldog, Elvis. Funeral services for Jim will take place 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2015, from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street in Midland. The Rev. John Pohanka will officiate, with cremation to follow. Jim's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 1:30 p.m. until the service. Military Honors will be presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider their favorite charity. Published by Midland Daily News from Jun. 25 to Jul. 3, 2015. |
