John Kern

It is with great sorrow that I tell you of the sudden passing of my husband, James (Jim) John Kern, 84, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, of Lake Suzy, FL, formerly of Cutler Bay, FL. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was born on July 12, 1941, in Pittsburgh, PA to Albert Kern and Margaret Hoffman, the youngest of six children.

What he described as the "First Best Day of His Life" was the day he married Patricia (Pat) Anne Caruso on April 23, 1966. Together, they moved to Miami, FL, in 1968. His "Next Best Days of His Life" came when his son, Christopher (Chris) James Kern, and daughter, Kathryn (Kathy) Marie Kern, were welcomed into the world.

While residing in Miami, Jim started working as an electrician for Jackson Electric for 10 years, managed a McDonald's for 10 years, and eventually retired from his "Best Job" (his words) at LRG Construction, Inc., after 40 years. He started as a grunt and worked his way up to Construction Supervisor. While at LRG, he spent many years working on and managing projects across the campus of the University of Miami. This led to his never-ending quest to point out issues in construction that he wasn't involved in-especially crooked doors! There wasn't a project at home that he couldn't tackle. He learned from the best contractor, Mr. Larry Gershen, and taught his son Chris everything he knew. He and Chris rebuilt our home after Hurricane Andrew, after a long day at work for Jim and Chris attending college daily.

Jim was a great steward at St. Louis Catholic Church, Pinecrest, FL. He was a Eucharistic Minister for many years, Head Usher, a member of the Church Council, and an active member of the Annual Festival for the Poor-and just about anything else they needed of him. He would find out what his tasks were by reading the church bulletin to see what our wonderful Pastor, Rev. James Fetscher (Monsignor), had volunteered him for with his "Kern Cronies." He never said no! He loved Our Lord with everything in him. Life in service brought him joy beyond words.

He loved watching his kids and grandkids grow up to be beautiful people. He spent countless hours supporting them in their endeavors. He especially enjoyed supporting Chris in his swimming and water polo events-even heading up the booster club for his high school at the Orange Bowl-and took great pride in watching his daughter Kathy blossom into an intelligent and sweet young woman. He was a wonderful man who cared for, provided for, and protected his family. There was nothing he wouldn't do for us.

Jim loved all sports, especially baseball, football, and golf. He would play nine holes after a long day at work to unwind. Jim loved watching Adrien play baseball from the age of 3, Tyler play golf from the age of 6, and Aundrea play flag football in the 8th grade. It all gave him enormous pride.

While he was blessed with the ability to not fear sharing his opinion-even when you didn't ask for it-his charisma and the way his smile would light up a room prevented you from being upset with him. He was the king of the one-liners. He loved his retirement in Lake Suzy, FL, where he was surrounded by wonderful new friends and neighbors who quickly became part of his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pat, of 59½ years; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Amy Kern, of Marlborough, CT; daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Nicanor Reina, of Miami, FL; and his three beautiful grandchildren: Adrien Reina (21), Tyler Kern (15), and Aundrea Reina (15). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret Kern; sisters, Grace Hooper and Geraldine Springob; and brothers, Albert Kern, George Kern, and Edward Kern.

A Funeral Mass will be held at San Antonio Catholic Church, 24445 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980, on November 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. Interment date to be announced. A luncheon will follow the funeral in the Ministry Center, Rooms 1 & 2.