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James Kerr Obituary

James Kerr 1953 ~ 2007 James Kerr "Left The Planet" Peacefully at home Friday night with family and friends at his bedside. James' family thanks his many friends for their support and for the warmth and friendship they shared with James. " To know James was to love him" A party in James' honor has been arranged by his friends and is to be held at Rose Sachs' Garden by Parley Canyon, Monday, November 12 at 2 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Nov. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kerr

30 Entries

Greg Gracer

February 16, 2008

Its been a while since youve passed James Kerr, and I wanted you to know that I remembered something about you that I wanted to acknowledge. When Vondy Campbell died and we were all at his wake at Blue Goose Inn in St. Clair Shores, you made a point of celebrating life rather than grieving. That was good energy and it has carried my soul since 1999.

Now you are gone and my wish is that people continue to celebrate you! Thank you James for your delightful company here on the planet.

James at Bill & Barb's (Summer 2007)

Dan Byrne

December 23, 2007

I'd like to take the opportunity here to let everyone here know that there is a photographic tribute to James' memory at:

www.myspace.com/jimmyjameskerr

While it would be appropriate to thank all Jimmy's friends personally in this guest book it would be impossible to complete a list with any precision. He had such a vast amount of great friends.
There were a number of very special people in James' life. They are especially appreciated by his family.

Donnie Allen

December 6, 2007

Dear Brother James
Thanks for all your great positive energy over the many years. I'll see you again when my Soul Journey starts.

To James Family
May your hearts be warmed by the fact that James spirit is watching over those he loves so dear.

George Moseman

December 3, 2007

I met James (not Jimmy) in Mt. Clemens Michigan in August of 2004. I am in a band that has done reunion gigs once a year, in August, since the summer of 2000. What makes meeting him most memorable is the fact that on the Friday afternoon he walked into Andy Andersons pad with Don Benson, our guitar player and head of St. Johns Hospital Emergency Room in Detroit, a number of band members were sitting around wondering how long the total electrical blackout would last. Hours earlier, because of who knows why, all of Ontario Canada and something like 15 states were without electricity of any kind. I mean no traffic signals, elevators stuck between floors and unparalleled confusion on the hundreds of thousands of highways in the affected area.
And, night was coming.
We were aware of the extent of the blackout by listening to battery powered and car radios. What we didn't know that afternoon was how tens of millions of people were going to act, that night, in an almost zero authority environment. To say it was a weird afternoon does not even begin to address the concept of weird. It was almost as if James made it happen just to show how decent people could find their true selves if the chains were removed and they felt real freedom. Because that night, a miracle happened, millions of people volunteered to direct traffic, feed others, take care of the sick, deliver babies, and bury the dead. We discovered, together for the first time, that when left to their own devices, millions of people came through with honor, dignity, and a spirit of cooperation, where there was none before.
This was the real world on the day I met James Kerr.

James Scott

December 2, 2007

12/12/2007 7:45 p.m.

I just returned from saying goodbye to my friend. Standing on my back porch, what I wanted to say, what I was struggling for, while everyone was telling stories about James, finally came to me. I just needed to be alone for a minute to allow my thoughts to gel. It is this.
James had the passion of a musician and songwriter. A person who takes his feelings, empathy and heart and puts it into a piece of music and poetry and sings to a big gathering of souls. But he wasn’t a musician. He was probably too busy surviving to have the luxury to develop those talents.
So, he had to take all of that passion and instead of singing to all of us in some great concert hall, he sang his passion to us individually. At parties, at his various homes, in our places and bars, he sang his passion to us one at a time.
He had the intensity of feeling and the heart of someone like Bruce Cockburn. Maybe that’s why he loved some of us who were in the performing arts so much. He was us. When we played he played with us.
Finally, the applause were for him. This night was his concert.

Michelle (Kerr) Cunningham

November 22, 2007

Although my memories of my cousin Jimmy are few, they are happy ones. We would see each other at my grandparents' house and laugh. I remember how he could bring light to a room and smile to my face.

Carrie (Bacon) Kloka

November 21, 2007

I've known Jimmy all my life, our parents were friends and his mom was my adopted Grandma. I only remember a few meetings, which of course left a lasting impression. I wish I would have given him more time a few years ago on the last occasion that I saw him. He offered it freely, but I was too busy with my own doings and family. Life is too short and Jimmy will remind me to always make time for a friend.
My deepest condolences to Liz, Chris and Dan. Only the good die young.
Hey Jimmy, give Grandma Theresa a great big hug from me xox
FRIENDS: Please post more pictures!
It is amazing to see where everyone is from, I think Jimmy has friends in every state and at least 2 countries!

Kris Pierowich

November 21, 2007

Jimmy,
You were the best kind of friend, as were Vondy, and our sister Joyce, Chris Newman, and all of our family that have moved on. The kind of friend that got under your skin because you wanted them there. You wanted to feel life as one glorious, unified, expression of love for one another. I am sad that I haven't been able to talk to you in recent years, but glad that you are with our precious friends. I wrote this for Vondy and Joyce, and wish I could sing it to you in person, someday, I'm sure I will. It's my version of an old Indian Song...

Don't Stand At My Grave and Cry,
I Am Not There, I Did Not Die....
I Am A Thousand Winds That Blow,
I'm Listening.............

Curtice Ball

November 20, 2007

Jimmy words connot convey our symapathy... memories of jimmy and his vw's in our childhood cannot be forgotten. We always had a whole lot of fun! Even the last time I saw jimmy at our high school reunion it was like we were kids and time stayed still... jimmy wanted us all happy,he will be sadly missed.

Doug Rotarius

November 18, 2007

Jimmy was a friend to all who has been taken too soon. You'll be missed.

Donna Goulet

November 16, 2007

I've known Jimmy his whole life and I remember him as a simply loveable scamp as a child and then in later years as an unpredictable, funloving, life of the party individual. He had the ability of making you feel you yourself were somehow something special. I think he was the special one to be able to make ourselves feel better just by being around him. I'll miss him and wish I could have spent some more time with him. Love to Liz, Chris and Dan.

Dr. Don Benson

November 16, 2007

Jimmy Kerr knew better than the rest how to enjoy life. He has done more things, been more places, and seen more things than Sinbad. I will always hold Jimmy deep in my heart, and I miss him horribly.

Dave and Bonnie Bacon

November 15, 2007

James would always be there for you, gave everything, asked for nothing. What he got was true friendship from all he met. We met James and family in 1967, brought together by his amazing mechanical skills with his hot-rod minibike.

We played together with mechanical projects for years, minibikes, Tempests, and a "Vart" named by James as only he could do.

We were always impressed by all the important and special people he had as good friends. Being one of his friends is an honor that he bestowed on many lucky people, and we are glad that included us.

Through all his life he was always positive, and made everyone else feel positive, he was very inspirational. We never heard a negative comment from James, he had no time for that.

Our lives were made better by his friendship, and that of his family, he and Theresa will live forever in our hearts.
Thank you James for sharing the last 40 years with us.
Thank you Dan, Chris, and Liz for being made of the same good fabric as James, and coming through for him when he needed you.
Thank you Theresa for making all this a reality.

Love you forever,

Matt Ott

November 15, 2007

James, Chameleon, Jimmy Mac – I wish I could have said goodbye to you my man, you were truly an original soul, a great friend, and will not soon be forgotten. Thanks for making me laugh so often, sometimes despite my best efforts not to. You really knew how to change the dynamic of a room, like a bee buzzing about, laughter coming from wherever you hovered. We need more James Kerrs in this world, more joy, more uncontrollable laughter, more untethered kindness. I wish we could have had one more night James, but that might be greedy, because we had our share. I also wish I remembered the Father Guido Sarducci blessing you used to do – “ … (something something something) … graaaham craaackers…” Oh well, that was the only part that mattered anyway. We love you James, and miss you dearly already.

Charleen Rivet (nee Byrne)

November 15, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dana Flynn

November 15, 2007

I met Jimmy only once, but what an impact he made. What I saw in him was someone unafraid; an angel, determined to spread happiness with everything he had. His bold and loving spirit is an example of how to live our lives. He is free now to do as he pleases, and I feel the Heavens are more beautiful because of it. A truly special soul.

Greg Coury

November 15, 2007

Oh Jimmy my long time friend. The last time I saw him was at my 30 year high school reunion in 2005. We hugged and talked and laughed. Time doesn't seperate true friends. I'm so sorry to hear of this. I pray that he's with his Mother. We lost a sincerely loving friend. My deepest condolences to Chris, Liz and Dan

Lori (Anderson) Farion

November 14, 2007

I met James on only two or three occasions, one being the Long Beach Blues Festival in 2003. Lots of melon marinated in -- can you guess? He was definitely the life of our party that day. James was one of the few people that you've known for years at the first meeting, and one never to forget.

Susan Baronoff

November 14, 2007

I met James late in his life, though I didn't know that at the time, of course. I wonder if he did. I didn't know the party guy - the man I met was smart and a little sad and had a great respect for art and the artists who make it. I felt like James peeked out at the world from way behind his eyes -- like he didn't want to be seen looking. Like he didn't want to be seen. We squinted at each other sideways, and we both knew we were doing it. That's what I liked best about him, from the moment we met. I wish I'd known him longer. I'm glad I knew him at all.

George Moseman

November 14, 2007

James:
I know it was magic, and I swear it's all true.
Cause when I look in the mirror I'm still smilin' at you.
The body has gone but the charge will remain.
Like the sparks that jump through the cells in my brain.
I know I knew what an Angel you were,
But never putting together your Spiritual cure.
Now I'm happy you've traded the cast iron chains.
For a Golden tomorrow and The Love that remains.

Alison Paton

November 14, 2007

Oh, sweet Jimmy, it is some consolation to know you are now in the loving arms of your Mom, such a great woman, and your dear friend Vondy who regarded you as a brother. How ironic that you passed in the same month of November as them both. No pretenses, always fun-loving, and a true friend to all. There were times you drove us all crazy, but we all loved like you were our own "little brother". This happened so fast, and I so regret not having talked to you more recently, but so relieved that you did not have to suffer long.
My deepest condolences to your family, and to your large extended family of friends which served as a life-long testament to your good and caring nature.
Alison

Mike Byrne

November 14, 2007

I was surprise and shocked to hear only 2 weeks ago of how sick James was. I remember year's ago at family gatherings as one of the many cousins of the Byrne clan, I had a sense that James had a wild streak and there was a sense of excitment around him. Reading the comments in the guest book you can tell he lived life at full throttle.

My thoughts and prays are with the James, his family and friends.

DAN BYRNE

November 14, 2007

Much of my Brother's quality is depicted in the lyrics of one of his favourite songs: "He was Contrary to Ordinary, Even as a Child". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMcNetLFqj8

There was certainly nothing ordinary about James. He lived life to the hilt. James and I shared an expression that he loved. "If you're not livin' life on the edge, then you're takin' up too much space". He tried to fill the space in our hearts, didn't he?

James worked hard and he played hard, but always found time to nurture exquisite relationships with the people in his life.
I know he would have liked nothing more than to be at the party at what he fondly called "Theresa Falls" where he scattered his Mother's ashes 13 Novembers ago.

He is with his Mom again and there is an infinite beauty in that.

These past few days we, his family, have met scores of people who recognized his unique personality and loved him for it. That is a testament to a successful life.

Today he may be remembered with tears - but for the rest of our lives, may he be remembered with a smile.

He would like that.

Hank Sobah

November 14, 2007

Jim was one of my original partying friends and I've missed him while he was alive - now I'll miss him more. I'm very sad to have finally connected with him again after all these years, and now lose his presence in our older, wiser daze. His insanity inspired many crazy schemes for having fun, which I enjoyed the hell out of as did others from our White Mud tribe. Jim - may you be in heaven for a year before the devil knows you've died!

Greg Hormone

November 13, 2007

James has been a connoisseur of Detroit Music and music in general as long as I have known him.

Jimmy was like having a music reference source, better than Google only a phone call away.

He was a White Mudder from the 60's and wore the shirt with honor.

Love to you Brother!

Bill and Barbara Hughes

November 13, 2007

To Kerr Family and Friends;
To know James was to love him!
A genuine sweet and loyal man.
The world has been made a better
place by him.He will be missed but not forgotten!Fare thee well.Thanks for skiing,James.
Love,Bill & Barbara Hughes

Norman Klein

November 13, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mick Worthen

November 12, 2007

So he would park his funky car on my front lawn with the skill of a Nascar Driver sliding into the infield. I loved it!, saved him from ringing my doorbell.
Served 20 years in the Gonzo Platoon proudly with James. I recently cleared Hep C after undergoing a year of treatment and James, who I know can see this I promise to do some extra living for you, who expressed so much concern and compassion for me during treatment. Love Mick

Amber Wornica

November 12, 2007

James was a fun and outgoing man. He was always looked on the brighter side of life. He will greatly be missed, but always remembered.
My thoughts are with his family and friends. He was a great man.

Sandra Chotia

November 12, 2007

James was always the first to say something positive, he was passionate, intelligent, humble and just plain sweet. I am saddened to know he has passed. I saw him last by chance bumping into him while out for a bike ride, it was a beautiful day early in the summer he was smiling and looked the picture of vibrancy. I feel blessed I can remember him this way. God bless him & keep him. Like Neil Young once said" It's better to burn out than it is to rust.The king is gone but he's not forgotten."
My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

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