James E. "Jim" Kessler

James E. Kessler (Jim) passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 14th, 2025, in Evansville, IN, at the age of 71. Jim was born on May 13th, 1954, to John Kessler and Helen Ramberger. He was a 1972 graduate of North High School, where he was in the trades program for auto mechanics. Jim worked at Industrial Contractors in the maintenance shop for many years. He was a great mechanic and always enjoyed working on cars, especially his '68 Camaro. He passed down his knowledge of mechanics to his youngest son, Jimmy. Jim was a need-for-speed kind of guy, always ready to race. He loved motorcycles, especially his red one. You could often see him around the holidays dressed as Santa Claus, riding his motorcycle around town. He loved traveling to the beach and the mountains. Jim was a prankster and had a larger-than-life personality. He was always there for his friends and family for whatever they needed; he would stop what he was doing to save the day. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 23 years. Children: Daughters Andi (Tony) Miller, Jamie (Steve) Appman of Evansville, IN, Sons Jon (Meagan) Kessler of Chaffee, MO., and Jimmy (Abby) Kessler of Somerville, IN. Stepdaughter Ashley (Michael) Wright of Mt Carmel, IL and Mother in law Sharon Byrum.

Grandchildren: Alex(Lucas), Zane, Maddie, Hunter(Sierra), Shelby(Colton), Lucas, Lilly, Eleanore, Violet, and Harper. Great-Grandchildren: Hudson, Weston, Kynleigh, Ansley, and Kohen. Several nieces and nephews, with a few special ones who considered him a dad or called him "Duncle", Casey, Travis, Dusty, Katie, Anna, Rachel, and V. Siblings: Ron(Kathy) Kessler, Sr, Bruce(Kim)Kessler, Karen Morgan of Evansville, IN.

He is preceded in death by his father, John (Thelma) Kessler, his mother, Helen Ramberger(Richard), and his brothers, John Wayne Kessler and Jim Hungate. Memorial service information: If you are attending, the family encourages you to share a favorite memory of Jim or share online.

The family would like to give special thanks to St Vincent ICU and ICU step-down units. Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent care in his final days: In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family, to help cover costs.

Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center and Cemetery on December 22, 2025. Visitation will start at 3pm and Memorial Service will start at 4pm.