James Kershner

1942 - 2016

James W. Kershner
July 31, 1942 - July 28, 2016
McSherrystown
James W. Kershner, 73, passed away suddenly Thursday, July 28, 2016.
Born July 31, 1942 in Wheeling, WV, he was the son of the late James C. Kershner and Lillian (Ayers) Dodd, and step-son of the late William Dodd. Jim was also the nephew of the late William E. Ayers. Jim was preceded in death by his two beloved cats, Daisy and Puff.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant in Vietnam. He was a platoon leader with A Troop, 4/12th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division. During his time in the military, Jim received several medals including the Army Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Armed Forces Gallantry Cross, the Army Commendation Ribbon, the National Defense Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Ribbon, and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. He was also awarded several badges for qualifying with a rifle and pistol from the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and the National Guard.
Jim received his BA, MA, and PhD from West Virginia University and a BA in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Jim had a lifetime membership in the American Legion Post #14 in Hanover, where he was currently Vice Commander (this would have been his third time being Commander). In addition, he was also a member of the VFW, the AMVETS, the 40 & 8, the Sons of the American Legion, the Sons of the American Revolution, the McSherrystown Moose, and Patmos Lodge No. 348 F. & AM. Jim was also active with the American Legion Color Guard and was Secretary of the Allied Veterans Council.
Surviving are two daughters, Christine Kershner-Teichman of Harrisburg and Jennifer Treas and her husband, Paul Treas III of Lewisburg; two granddaughters, Georgia and Lily Ann Treas; four siblings, William Dodd of Charleston, WV, Patrick Dodd of Brooklyn, NY, Leanne Dodd-Mathis of Tampa, FL and Julie Dodd of Portsmouth, VA.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of James will be held at 2 p.m. on September 25, 2016 at the Hanover American Legion, 201 Carlisle St., Hanover, PA 17331.
Burial will be held privately at Arlington National Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Adams County SPCA 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
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