Jerome KEARNS

1966 - 2016

KEARNS, Jerome Edward, Age 50, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 20 from a heart attack at his home in Fairfield Township, Ohio. Following a heart attack three and a half years ago, Jerome had changed his life style and diet, and began running. He had successfully last completed a full marathon on 9/17/16, achieving one of his life goals. As a result of the heart attack, Jerome realized that the important things in life included a belief in Jesus Christ and commitment to serving the Lord, family, friends, working to better the lives of others and living life to the fullest. Jerome was born June 18, 1966 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio (as Jerome would say, "The Home of the Tomato") to William Edward Kearns and Mary Whalen Kearns Herington. Jerome has two sisters, Glenna Klei (John) whom he was very close to and Barbara Kearns McKinney. Jerome has a nephew Christopher, and he loved to go to see his nieces' (Soo Lin and Hai Lan) sporting and cheerleading events with Glenna. His greatest achievements could be found in his son, Kyle, and his daughter, Abbi. He loved the calls from Abbi on her way home from work and discussing coffee and music with Kyle. Jerome was like a second father to Jordyn Oney, and we all become one blended family on April 20, 2002 when he married Dawn Delaney (Kearns). Dawn and Jerome shared a love for the outdoors, and Jerome would plan out the hikes for a yearly trip to the Smoky Mountains. Jerome was very active serving in the community, including being a member of Fairfield City School Board of Education, Fairfield Kiwanis, and a past member of Shared Harvest Food Bank Board of Directors. Jerome continued his giving spirit even in death, donating organs and tissue to the Life Center which could help benefit over 50 people. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fairfield West Baptist Church located at 5345 Muskopf Road, Fairfield, OH 45014 on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shared Harvest Food Bank or The American Heart Association.