John Kern

John A. Kern



John Anthony Kern of Panama City, Florida, formerly of Placitas, New Mexico, died November 3, 2017 after a year and half courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

He was a graduate of the University of Michigan, Vermont Law School, and Vermont Environmental Law Program. He served in the Navajo Nation's Chief Prosecutor's office, was Chief Judge for the Laguna Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. John was a member of the Arizona and Michigan Bar. John's first love was his animals and he was a farrier before completing his education. He had eclectic interests and was an acquisition curator for the Albuquerque Art Museum procuring Spanish arms and armament that are part of the museum's permanent collection. After becoming sick John took great pleasure in studying and procuring Japanese swords and tsubas.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Susan; brother David of Virginia; and his beloved dogs, Fang and Mojo.. Interment of his ashes and a celebration of life will be held next summer.