James Albert Kerce Jr.

James "Jim" Albert Kerce, Jr., entered the Kingdom of Heaven December 18, 2025. He was born to James Albert Kerce, Sr., and Myrtis (Shouppe) Kerce on March 21, 1938, in Mulberry, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife of forty-nine years, Joyce Ann (Purvis) Kerce and eldest son Darrell Allen Kerce. He is survived by his beloved second wife Amelia "Molly" Kerce, and stepdaughter Krissy Stokes, son James David Kerce (Anne-Marie Kerce), grandsons Zachary (Naomi), Spencer (Jordyn) and Grant (fiancé Shelby) great-grandchildren Hope, Arlo & Asher, and daughter in law Beverly, wife of predeceased son. He was a graduate of Mulberry High School Class of 1956 & Florida Southern College Class of 1960.

Jim was a believer and follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and Molly worshipped and served at Crystal River Church of God. He served as a greeter, usher and food pantry. He attended Bible studies on Sunday and Friday evenings. He was a man of integrity, compassion and wisdom. He loved, cared and prayed for his family and was grateful for the many blessings God bestowed upon him. Jim was a faithful son, father, husband, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, gun collecting, but he most enjoyed fishing. He fished the Homosassa River and the isles of the mouth of the river. He always had an ample supply of speckled trout and red fish. Jim also had a green thumb and enjoyed caring for his lawn and shrubbery. He enjoyed God's creation and would feed wood ducks and their chicks every spring. It was not unusual for him to go through two hundred pounds of cracked corn per season. He had a blue heron and white egret that would await breakfast at his front door most mornings. Jim had an affinity for nature.

Jim spent the early years of his career with the United States Department of Agriculture, before moving into private industry. He was the Operations Manager for Sealtest (Lexington NC), and Shedds Food Division of Beatrice Foods (Louisville KY). Jim returned to Florida in 1979 and was the General Manager of Ft. Pierce Growers Association, and later served with Seald Sweet International and Golden Gem Growers in Vero Beach, Florida. Jim excelled in his career and travelled throughout the United States, Canada, France, Japan & Mexico. He retired in 2000 and settled in Homosassa Springs on property he and his father purchased in 1967.

Jim fought the good fight. Jim finished the race. Jim kept the faith. Now in eternity with God, he will be missed by all who knew him. I love you Dad.

A Memorial Service in honor of Jim will be held at Seigler Funeral Home, Mulberry, Florida, December 27, 2025. Visitation begins at 10am, the service will follow at 11am, and a graveside service for those who wish to attend at Central Baptist Missionary Church on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to either the loving Hospice caregivers at Chapters Health Foundation, 12470 Telecom Dr., Suite 301, Temple Terrace, FL 33637, or Crystal River Church of God, 2180 12th Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428.