James J. "Jim" Kesler

James J. Kesler, Jim to his friends, went home to the Lord Friday, August 20, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease; he passed away in Poplarville, MS, at the home of his daughter Jo-Ellen. He was a devout Catholic, practicing his faith and attending mass for as long as he was physically able. He loved animals and his community. Jim along with his older brother Richie owned Kesler's Auto Electric, Inc., along with their father before them, before he retired in 2017 due to his failing health. Kesler's Auto was the oldest independent parts house in Jefferson Parish having been in existence for more than 65 years before his brother became ill and passed away. He served in the Army National Guard and was Honorably Discharged; after being discharge he joined JPSO's Reserves where he served in the traffic division. While in the traffic division he worked Mardi Gras, fireworks events, football games, and any other events. He left JPSO's Reserves for a few years to help start the reserve unit with the East Bank Levee Board, before going back to JPSO's Reserve Traffic Division. He eventually transferred to their Laser Division where he retired as an Lieutenant in 2008 due to the advancement of his Parkinson's, having served the communities of Jefferson Parish for 35+ years. He is preceded in death by his parents Jennings Jack Kesler and Felecie Angeline Giurintano Kesler, his first wife Mary Ellen Terrase Kesler and his second wife Nancy Dora Falgout Kesler, one grandchild, Autumn Stanfield, as well as his brother Richard Jack Kesler. He is survived by his six children Stacie Kesler, Stephanie Kesler, Jo-Ellen Kesler, Sherrie Stanfield, Anthony Kesler, and Charles Kesler. Eight grandchildren, Drew Dawson, Alyssa Parke, Alex Stanfield, Candace Kyle, James Stanfield, Sadie Kesler, Connor Dedon, and Grace Kesler. He is survived by five great grandchildren Kamryn, Logan, Paisley, Hadley, and Wrenley. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, at St Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, River Ridge, LA. From 10 AM - 10:30 AM, followed by visitation for family and friends from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, with Mass following at 11:30 AM. We'd like to thank his sitters, the nurses and aids with Solace Hospice of Poplarville, MS, for their care and consideration. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to Solace Hospice, a hospice of your choice, or the Parkinson's Foundation.