James "Jim" Kerr

James “Jim” W. Kerr, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, gracefully passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017, while under the care of the St. Paul Care Community, Greenville, Pennsylvania, following a period of declining health. He was 87, just 8 days shy of his 88th birthday.

He was born on October 15, 1929 at home in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, son of Albert and Nellie Marie (McClintoc) Kerr.

Self was forgotten the day that Mr. Kerr left his home to defend our flag and to help keep our country free. He proudly served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict achieving the rank Staff Sergeant. He was assigned to the 330th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for his valor. He was honorably discharged from his duties at the Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, New York.

Upon his return home, he found employment with Sharon Steel. He retired after a 38 year career as a Coil Bundler. In addition, he was the owner and operator of Kerr Carpet Cleaning, Sharpsville.

Jim was a member of the Hermitage Church of Christ where he was a former Elder. He was also a member of the United Steel Workers. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed tinkering in the garage, wood working, fishing, and gardening.

Survivors include: his wife, Phyllis J. (Taylor) Kerr, whom he married on June 28, 1952; his children, Daniel James Kerr (Beverly), Bedford, Indiana, Susan Grace Turner (Greg), Harrah, Oklahoma, Lynn Marie Kerr, El Cajon, California, Tami Kathleen Mitchell (David), Searcey, Arkansas, and Colleen DeAnn Patterson (Franz), Buford, Georgia; his sister, Beverly J. Pulsa, Bakersfield, California; his twelve grandchildren; and his 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Leroy & David Kerr, Isabell Felicetty, Elmyra White, Ardella "Toby" LaFever, Beatrice Winkler, & Ivabell Franklin.

A time of gathering in Jim’s honor will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017, from 4-7 PM in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403, and from 12 -1 PM on Saturday at the church. A Service will immediately follow at 1 PM in the Church of Christ, at 340 Sunset Blvd., Hermitage, Pennsylvania 16148, where military honors will be observed.

Expressions of sympathy made be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ghana West Africa Missions, PO Box 40, Searcy, Arkansas 72145-0040.

Coordinated of this tribute for Mr. Kerr’s will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director. (330-509-3135)