Obituary of Reverend James M. Kerr

Reverend James M. Kerr, 85, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 11, 2023 at his home. He was born on August 28, 1937 in Ten Mile, WV, a son of the late Reverend William A. and Tocie N. Kerr. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn G. Kerr. In addition to his wife, Reverend Kerr is survived by one son, Jon Kerr and his wife Jennifer of Troy, TN, two daughters, Elizabeth Lopez of Wallace, WV and Dr. Laura Hill and her husband John of Florida, two brothers, William Kerr and his wife Betsey of Indianapolis, IN and Joesph Kerr and his wife Carole of Boston, MA, and one sister, Sarah Lee of Philadelphia, PA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Dr. John Lopez, Cecil Lopez, Steven Lopez, Beth Rager, Eric Lopez, Madie Barnett, Kathryn Hays, and Bradyn Kerr, and six great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was a 1955 graduate from Morgantown High School. After graduating high school, he graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and Garrett Seminary College. Reverend Kerr was a retired United Methodist Minister from the West Virginia Annual Conference. He began his ministry as an Associate Pastor at Spruce Street UMC in Morgantown and served at several district churches including Marlington UMC in Pocahontas County, Barrackville UMC, Mannington UMC, Bridgeport UMC, Duff Street UMC in Clarksburg, and Pleasant Valley UMC, where he retired. During his retirement, Reverend Kerr served as the President of the WV Annual Council in Charleston. He also served as the Chaplin at the Grafton City Hospital and as a volunteer at the Fairmont Medical Center. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, taking photographs, and listening to classical music. He also enjoyed reading, especially novels by James Patterson. Throughout all of his activities, he found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Betty Lynch. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received on Monday, August 14, 2023 from 11 am until 8 pm in the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 10 am until 11 am at the Barrackville United Methodist Church, 409 Pike St, Barrackville, WV 26559. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 am in the church with Reverend Stephanie Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.