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Honorable JOHN WORTH KERN, III
John W. Kern, III, the longest-serving judge in the District of Columbia, died at home of pneumonia and Alzheimer's on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the age of 89. In 1968, Kern was appointed to the D.C. Court of Appeals, the highest appellate court in the District of Columbia. He retired on December 31, 2011, at which time the D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure remarked: "John will always be remembered for his legal ability, productivity, diligence, and courtesy." Kern attended the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and then Princeton University, graduating in 1949. He received a law degree from Harvard University and then served in the Central Intelligence Agency. During his legal career in Washington, he served in the United States Attorney's Office; the law firm of Kilpatrick, Ballard and Beasley; and the U.S. Department of Justice. Judge Kern had a keen interest in continuing judicial education. Upon taking senior status he served as the Dean of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. In 1989, he founded and directed the Harold R. Medina Seminar for State and Federal Judges on the Humanities and Science, held annually at Princeton University, which was later re-named the Kern-Medina Seminar in his honor. Kern is survived by his beloved wife Margaret "Peggie" Cantlin-Kern, whom he met first at the courthouse; five children; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His first marriage to Nancy Park Kern ended in divorce. The family will hold a service at Oak Hill Cemetery on March 6 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a Memorial Reception at the Metropolitan Club at 3:30 p.m. Friends are invited to send contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer's Association.
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Dear John,
You are missed very much. You were a warrior, educator, A Shining light to all who knew you. Especially my Sister Peggie who adored you. The Cantlin/ Dietz Family miss your smiling face. Of this you can be sure, Peggie found her soulmate in you. Judge John Kern we love and miss you♥
Love,
Maryellen
Kerry, Eric and family
Maryellen Cantlin
Family
February 12, 2020
John was a loyal member of the Class of 1949 at Princeton, admired by all who knew him. My wife Jean (now deceased) and I had many happy times with John and Peggy at Reunions and on other occasions. John and I a shared a common love for continuing education -- John in law, I in medicine. I will miss him.
Lew Miller
February 22, 2018
Dearest Peggie, Tony and I loved him, he
was such a dear friend to us!! Sigrid
Sigrid Santiano
February 20, 2018
My Dearest Brother In Law John,
Thank you for coming into my Sister's life and making her so happy. Your Love, and devotion to her goes unequaled.
Her love for you eternal. Thank you for being the best husband, step father and grandfather. Not many can walk in your shoes.
Lastly, I'm very Proud to call you Brother In Law and no better man to care for my Sister and her Family.
Judge John Kern, May God hold you in the Palm of his hands. Rest In Peace, My Dearest John, I love you.
February 19, 2018
Such a gentleman, a kind and sweet man.
Karen Santiano Francis
February 18, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a good man. In the LONG list of things I admire, his devotion to Peggie was a beautiful thing to watch.
Denise Neary
February 18, 2018
Peg- I was so saddened to read about John's passing. He was such a good friend and a wonderful wit. All my condolences to you and the girls.
steve jacobson
February 18, 2018
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