James Kernan

KERNAN

James P. Kernan, 80, of Philadelphia, passed away on May 9, 2024 in the arms of his family. Born in 1943 to James Kernan and Rose Kernan (née Pio), he was raised in a lively row home in the Port Richmond neighborhood alongside his five beloved siblings. Growing up, he found joy in the tight-knit community, the vibrant atmosphere of Nativity B.V.M. church and school, and the camaraderie of the local Boys Club and his many neighborhood friends.

After graduating from North Catholic High School in 1961, Jim began a long career as a buyer at Sears Roebuck and Co. It was there he met his future wife of 55 years and love of his life, Marlyn Brown. Pausing his career to serve his country, Jim spent two years in Germany as Assistant Operations Specialist for the 552nd US Army Artillery Group with top secret clearance. Upon his return, he resumed his work at Sears, while earning a bachelor's degree in accounting at Saint Joseph's University in 1974. In 1988, when Sears moved its catalog operation to Chicago, Jim began a new career as CEO of Sears Credit Union. He was a respected leader with a deep regard for members and staff.

Jim was a dedicated father and husband, a true family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. Whether gathering around the dinner table each night, enjoying time "down the shore," or attending family events, he was always most happy surrounded by his family. An avid tennis player, he delighted in taking his girls to the courts at the playground across the street, hitting tennis balls against the supermarket wall. His commitment to his wife Marlyn, their daughters, and his grandchildren was unwavering and will always be remembered with great love and gratefulness.

Retirement brought Jim immeasurable joy as he shared his time with Marlyn and their family, traveling, playing cards with friends, cheering on his grandsons at sporting events, reading, watching the Phillies, and giving back to his community through volunteer work at St. Albert the Great parish. His favorite thing to do by far was to spend time with his four grandsons. He was immensely proud of them and loved watching them grow up.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marlyn (née Brown) and daughters Deborah Kernan and Sandra Laurenzi (Robert). He will be deeply missed by his grandsons, James Laurenzi, Matthew Laurenzi, William Laurenzi, and Noel Igoe, and fondly remembered as a loving uncle to his many nephews and nieces who looked to him as the family patriarch.

Preceded in death by his sister Constance Bradley and brothers Albert Kernan and Joseph Kernan, Jim is survived by his sister Nora Canally and brother Michael Kernan.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Albert the Great, 212 Welsh Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:30 AM, with visitation at the church beginning at 9:15 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.