James T. Kerns

Date of Death: April 21, 2008

JAMES T. KERNS age 60 of Portage passed away Monday April 21 2008. Survived by daughters: Jamie (Bill) Doll of Portage Vanessa Kerns of Chicago Jennifer (David) Kelly of Chicago three grandchildren: Billy and Brittany Doll Deja Kerns sister Barbara (Don) Parker of Valparaiso aunts uncles nieces nephews and cousins fiancee Norma Espinosa and many loyal friends. Preceded in death by parents Cliff Kerns and Millie Horn beloved brother Mike Kerns and nephew Cliff Kerns. Jim dedicated over 37 years of service to Local #17 of the International Association of Heat &amp Frost Insulators and was the proud owner and operator of Murphys Saloon in Miller. Jim was a graduate of Emerson High School Class of 1966. He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army and received several medals of honor including the Purple Heart. He was a member of American Legion Post #260. Friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service 2700 Willowcreek Rd. Portage Thursday April 24 2008 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Legion service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday April 25 2008 from Pruzin Brothers Chapel with Rev. Jerry Ulrich officiating. At rest Calvary Cemetery Portage. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation www.marf.org or 1-877-END-MESO. Please click on the following link to view James Tribute video. http://videos.lifetributes.com/16242

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I knew Jimmy and his brother Mike both from highschool and living a few blocks away in Aetna. I knew Jimmy as a gentleman and a kind soul. Him and his dad and brother can now be together again and it sounds like a good time will be had by all. God Bless them all and his family and fiance. I also thank him kindly for his generous service to our nation and his sacrafice in Vietnam. My sincerest sympathies to all his friends and family members.

we will miss a very good friend and comrad THE FOX FAMILY

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. Jimmy will surely be missed! God Bless!

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My condolences to Jims daughters and other family members. I graduated with Jim from Emerson H.S. in 1966. We had home room and many classes together! I always liked Jim and I am very sorry I was out of contact until I read his obituary. God Bless you Jim I Look forward to meeting you again in the next life! As a Vietnam Veteran I salute you for your service to our country! Sincerely Raleigh Plesko Emerson H.S. 1966

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I MET JIMMY THROUGH HIS GOOD FRIEND RICH ALONZO AND HE WAS SUCH A GENEROUS AND GIVING MAN. HE LOVED LAUGHTER AND PARTIES AND MURPHYS WAS THE SPOT! MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS DAUGHTERS AND HIS FIANCE NORMA. JIMMY WILL LIVE ON IN EVERYONE WHOSE HEART HE HAS TOUCHED.

Jim often said that one thing he knew for sure he got right on this earth was his daughters Jamie Vanessa and Jenny. He not only thought they were beautiful on the outside but was also proud of their immense inner beauty. He felt a great source of comfort and happiness knowing that they truly loved him. I know there will be a lot of partying when Jim joins his family members and friends who departed this world before him. Heaven will never be the same!

I knew him as the owner of Murphys where many of us south shore train crew would gather after a long day of working and commuting. He was always gracious playing that good music and socializing with us as if we all knew one another forever. He will be sadly missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.