Obituary
James Lee Kerske, born May 6, 1951, in Springfield, Illinois, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was called home to the Lord on December 22, 2024, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He leaves behind a legacy of love and joy that touched the lives of many.
James was the son of William “Bill” Sr. and Lucille “Kelly” Kerske and was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings: Nancy Perry, Marilyn Martin, Robert “Bob” Kerske, John Kerske, and William “Bill” Kerske, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah M. Kerske, and two daughters: Kourtney Freeman and Kassidy Love. He also leaves behind sisters Linda Kerske and Kathy Dunlap as well as countless nieces and nephews.
James was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Pawpaw” to his grandchildren: Austin Freeman (Mikayla), Brian Freeman (Bailey), Olivia Freeman, Justin Shklar, Eli Love, Emerson Love, Elin Love and great grandson Ronnie Freeman. He cherished every moment spent with his family, attending concerts, games, and various events to support them wholeheartedly.
A standout student, James graduated as class president from Lanphier High School and attended the University of Illinois/Springfield, where he majored in Political Science. He was chosen to work for J. David Jones, an Illinois State Representative. His professional journey included working for Fiat-Alice and later working for Kenworth Trucking. He retired as Vice President of Purchasing at Glen O’Brien Walls and Partitions, where he was respected for his leadership and dedication.
James was known for his infectious smile and vibrant personality, lighting up every room he entered (“Fun to party with? None better!), He had a passion for life that included spending time on Lake Jacomo, boating, and enjoying sunsets with his family. His warm spirit and ability to bring people together made him the life of every gathering.
With 51 years of marriage to his beloved Sarah, James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who truly embodied love and family. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was more than just a father; he was a nurturing soul who instilled joy and passion for life in everyone around him. James Lee Kerske will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were touched by his kindness and love.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063
Condolences
Services
Plesant Hill, Missouri 64080
From the deepest part of our hearts, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Love the McCrackin’s.
Many prayers for your family.
Rest In Peace, Dear Jim. I know how loving and kind you were to everybody but most especially to your family. We all will miss you but know you are safe in God’s loving hands.
Miss you uncle Jim. #chiefsby90 ❤️
Sam Kourtney and Kassidy, so hard to believe, but what a Great legacy of Love he left with you all, and all the Fabulous Memories to cherish, you are all in our thoughts and Prayers. Love you.
To my Aunt Sam and my Kass and kourt. My deepest condolences
Oh how I loved Uncle Jimmy. He and Aunt Sam are my heart. Jimmy was the best Uncle and friend anyone could ask for. I will never forget him standing up in my wedding. He is the absolute best. Say hi to Dad for me Uncle Jimmy
I love you
I cannot express how sorry I am for the family. Jim will definitely be missed. I love you guys.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember all the good times we had and Jim was such a special man. Kind and fun loving. My hugs and prayers are sent to you and the family.❤️🙏🙏🙏
Sam, Kassidy & Kourtney, We are heart broken to hear of Jim’s passing!!❤️❤️
He was such a wonderful man!!
Prayers for you all!
Bob and I are so sorry for the loss of an amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Jim always had a big smile and was such a kind and caring person. What a remarkable life he had and you guys made so many wonderful and happy memories. Jim touched so many lives and we are both grateful to have been his friend.
Sending love, thoughts and, and prayers during this difficult time.
Shirley and Bob Morgan
My dear sweet Kerske family! I am so sorry for your loss. Jim has always had a special place in my heart. He always showed how much he loved you Sammy and Kourtney and Kassidy. He had a great happy personality. He’s going to be missed by so many! I’m sending all my love and prayers for you all to find comfort and peace!
Love, Linda
One heck of a human being. Loved life and his family. Jim was a True American! Hope to see you on the other side Jim.
a long time friend that always had a good for me and about me
Paula let us know about his passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
God took one of the very best. Jim will be missed by so many and was loved so dearly. Our thoughts are with you all.
James was a Great person, I worked with him at O’Brien’s he was a Great Guy that Played Softball with our Ball Team and he even invited me to go meet his Family in Springfield,Ill. It was nice to meet his Friends also my Top Guy was Rusty Dickson he was a Hoot, but James will be missed Very Much by his Loving Family and Friends! I’ll see you again Brother, you will always be My LAMAHEAD ! Love you Bro Big Al!!!
Jimmy will be Sorley missed !!! So so many good times with Sam and Jimmy !!!We go way back . Going to be missed by many. God be with you Jimmy and God bless you Sammy !!! Always Jim
Rest In Peace, Dear Jim. All who knew you loved you. We will miss you so much.
Sam, Kourtney, Cassidy, family, Kathy & Linda…
If words could mend the shattered pieces of your broken hearts, I would gather together all that I had and then some to give to you.
My heart will treasure the many fond memories made over the years spent together as family friends…the Kerske’s, the Yannone’s and the Blakely’s. Jimmy was my favorite of all the boys. His smile was magnetic, the twinkle in his eyes would light up a room and his heart always full of kindness towards me….the little kid from Loami trying to survive growing up with 3 brothers.
I pray you are filled with sweet loving memories that will comfort you during these difficult days. May the love and laughter you shared remind you that Jimmy is with you always…simply close your eyes, place your hand over your heart and there you will find him….may God bless you, give you strength and wisdom as your journey through this difficult time.
Much love,
Jill
We’re so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was truly a joy to be around – and his smile was contagious. He was certainy blessed with a beautiful loving family, and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Jimbo will certainly be missed. Love, Tony and Win
Jim was the best. Always smiling, always happy. Erik and I will forever cherish our wedding video he made all those years ago. We love you <3
Thinking of you and sending prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for all.
I will Raise aToast of Celebration in Jim’s Memory & Great LIFE,GOD BLESS.ALWAYS WILL REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES TOGETHER!
Jean an i are Sorry to hear about Jim passing. Jean an i are praying for u and the family.
My loving Brother, I miss you so much! You were always so supportive of me, and I loved you so much for that! We used to fight like cats and dogs when we were little, but it was because we shared so much! We respected and loved each other as we grew older, and nothing would break that. I respected you so much and you were my hero! I will miss you dearly! I want to call you and talk about my life and hear your voice of support. I love you and will miss you so much! I know you are with our parents and siblings and watching out for us all. You are an angel. My heart hurts.
Sam,
Words simply can’t express what I would like to say. I hadn’t had the opportunity for over 48 yrs. to talk with Jim and you. I left Spfld. in 1976 not knowing if I would see again. Unbelievable, Jim, I and you were very close once and I hope to see you out there again in April (never been to Pleasant Hill).
gw
Uncle Jim is definitely one of those individuals you are really going to miss but when you sit back and think about all the great people he is going to be united with again it brings a smile to my face Please say hello to everyone for me and give my Mom a kiss until we see each other again ❤️
Sammie Im so sorry to hear about J̌im so late. Had some wonderful times with you guys
Love Tony Velder
Jim was one of the nicest most genuine people I ever met.
He and his wife picked up my brother and I in Norborne to take us to a family gathering in Springfield ( Il). Great memories!
God Bless You Jim!