James Richard Kerr

Born August 20, 1924 in Elmira, NY, the son of the late Robert Victor and Mildred Mae (Black) Kerr, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at St. Joseph?s Hospital at the age of 81. James was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette (Seymour) Kerr on April 8, 2001. His son, James Arthur Kerr; brother, Arthur E. Kerr; and great grandson, Slade Brewer; also preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved children and their spouses, Kathleen and Vaughn Harkness of Columbia Crossroads, PA; Raymond and Cindy Kerr of Troy, PA; Mark and Bonnie Kerr of Gillett, PA; Joan and Daniel Andrews of Williamsburg, VA; Lisa and Greg Garwood of Dunedin, FL; David and Lisa Kerr of Gillett, PA; adored grandchildren, Shari (Mike) Weed; Scott Harkness; Sheila (Tom) Lechner; Travis (Rebia) Kerr; Nathan Kerr; Ryan Wright; Stephanie Wright; Janel (Jason) Gedney; Annie Brewer; Caylin Brewer; Lindsey Kerr; Kevin (Ashley) Kerr; and Heather Kerr; along with 5 much-loved great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty (Ken) Serfas of Tennessee; Mary (Drexel) Palmer of Florida; sister-in-law, Betty Kerr of Pine City, NY; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and many friends. James was a Veteran of the US Army, proudly serving his country during WW II and the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Bendix Corp. after several years of faithful service as an electrician. James was the past Deputy PA Game Commission Conservation Officer and was a member of the following: American Legion Theodore Roosevelt Post # 167; the South Creek Rod and Gun Club; the Hillside Rod and Gun Club; and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Southport. James was noted most for his outstanding archery skills. He successfully medalled in all the competitions that he participated in, The National Senior Olympic Archer Champion; The World Archery Shoots and Competition; and the Keystone State Games Archery Competition. He enjoyed woodworking in his free time. Above all else, James will always be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, February 3, 2006 from 5 to 8 PM at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY. A Funeral Celebration honoring Mr. Kerr?s life will follow there on Saturday at 11 AM, with Pastor Chris Curry presiding. Interment will take place on Sunday, February 5th at 10 AM in the Fitzsimmons Cemetery, Maple Ave. at Cedar Street, Elmira, NY, where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Kerr full Military Honors. Memorial donations in the name of James R. Kerr may be directed to the WW II Veterans Memorial Processing Center, P. O. Box # 305, Calverton, NY 11933. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for his family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com.