James Robert "Jim" Kerner (80) of Newton

James Robert "Jim" Kerner age 80, of Newton passed away Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.

Memorial services celebrating the life of Jim will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 31, 2023 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton with Pastor Jeff Michael officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 31 until time of service in the funeral home.  Military honors will be offered by Jasper Post No. 20 of the American Legion.  The family requests casual dress for the services.

Jim was born on August 15, 1942, in Jasper County, Illinois the son of Delbert N. and Gwendolyn Fern (Anderson) Kerner. He attended St. Thomas Catholic School and Newton Community High School. Following high school, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964 and was stationed in Germany. Jim married Connie Denney and to this union three children were born, Jay, Gidget and Cassie.

Jim worked as a troubleshooter for Automotive Wire Harness Corporation of Detroit, Michigan. Jim also worked in construction and was an excellent auto mechanic. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #7537 and Jasper Post No. of the American Legion.

In his free time, Jim loved to play fast pitch softball, passing the love of the sport to his three children. He is a member of the Illinois ASA Softball Hall of Fame, Casey, Illinois. Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He also enjoyed country dancing and square dancing. He had a unique swagger on the dance floor.

Jim will be loved and remembered by his children, Jay (Julie) Kerner of Teutopolis, Gidget Mitchell of Dieterich and Cassie (Darrin) Campton of Dieterich; seven grandchildren Drew Kerner and Paige Kerner both of Teutopolis, Michaela (Cody) Esch of St. Louis, Missouri, MaKenzie (Trevor) Byram of Terre Haute, Indiana, Madeline Mitchell of Louisville, Kentucky, Clayton (Nikki) Campton and Callaway Campton both of Dieterich; four great-grandchildren Crew Esch, Collyns Esch, Bexley Byram and Bruin Byram; brother Mike (Jenny) Kerner of Willow Hill; sister Wanda Portlock of Newton and friend and caregiver Robert Boyd of Toledo.

His parents, son-in-law Mark Mitchell and sisters Delores Bachman, Betty Owens and Judy Whitehurst preceded him in death.

Memorial gifts may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Contributions may be left at the funeral home or mailed to NAMI Champaign, P. O. Box 3522, Champaign, Illinois 61826-3552.

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