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BORN
1928
DIED
2017
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James Kerr Obituary
Retired Army Master Sergeant James (Butch, Jim, Jimmie) H. Kerr, 88, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2017. He was born on Oct. 28, 1928 in Houston, Mississippi to William and Myrtle Kerr. Butch joined the US Army at the age of 17 and served in Japan at the end of World War II. He further served in Japan, France, and Germany on several bases in the United States. In 1968 he served a tour of duty in Vietnam where he received numerous commendations for performance including two Bronze Stars. He retired from active duty in 1971 at his last station in Baltimore, Maryland. Jim and his wife, Louise moved to the mountains of North Carolina where they spent their summers and to Sun Lakes, Arizona where they spent their winters and formed many fond friendships with the residents of the Sun Lakes community. Jimmy Kerr is survived by his children, Beverly Freeman (Jerry, deceased), Gale Sweeney, Brenda Kerr, Tommy Kerr (Debbie), Becky Gooch (Art), seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Louise, his brother Horace, his son Barry (Valerie) and his grandson, Steven. Services will be held at Stecoah Baptist Church, Robbinsville, North Carolina on Nov. 4, 2017 with visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by the celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements by Townson-Smith Funeral Home in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Online condolences to be given at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kerr
Sponsored by Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery.
6 Entries
Kenneth Nelson, Sr.
December 10, 2017
James Kerr served his country well. I knew Jimmy for the past 4 years and I knew only what I saw and what we talked about. I am 20 years his junior and I served 18 months in the US Army in Viet Nam-1970-71. We talked of his grandsons who were officers in the Marine Corps and Navy and he was as proud of my 2 girls who retired from the Army this past Christmas as I was. Jimmie maintained his military bearing and immediate respect from those of us who met him. He lived it fully and his way. . Once you told him your last name he did not forget. 'Come on in Nelson, get you a beer!' GONE and fondly remembered you are "Sarge", I love you!!
~Words of comfort~
November 11, 2017
Sorry for the loss of your love one, may you find comfort in knowing that those who have passed on in death God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15.
Wayne & JaNann Lewis
November 2, 2017
It's been our pleasure to have known Jim for many
years. He and my dad (Dick Smith) were best friends and quite
the team act. They were very funny. Our condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Debbie Kerr
November 2, 2017
Jim and family, it has been an honor and a great pleasure to have had Dad in my life what a wonderful man he was. A true Patriot that led an interesting long life. He was Always the life of the party, happy, helpful, and loving to all his family and friends. He has raised wonderful children and I am so happy to have been a part of his journey and part of this family. May God Bless this entire family he loved you all very much. Dad we will miss you dearly may you Rest In Peace We Loved you dearly. Forever in our Hearts
October 30, 2017
To the Kerr Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
October 27, 2017
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jimmy's family. He was a dear friend and real Southern gentleman whom will be missed by many of us here in the Sun Lakes community. Dale and Joyce Switzky
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