Jim Kern, 77, of Clarksville, Tenn., and formerly of Hopkinsville, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his home of natural causes.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West with Rev. Steve Reed officiating. Lamb Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
A native of Whitesville, VA, he was born November 1, 1946, the eldest son of the late Ellwood James Kern, Sr. and the late Evelyn (Shave) Kern.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carol Johnson Kern; and his daughter Kimberly Braboy.
Survivors include his daughter, Kelly (Carson) Cumbee, Apex, NC; his son-in-law, Don Braboy, Hopkinsville, KY; his wonderful grandchildren, Hannah, Allison, Zoe, Audrey, Foster, Elias, Josiah, Parker, and Charlotte; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Lewis, and Van.
Jim grew up with his five younger siblings (Lynn, Brenda, Danny, Frank, and Michael) in Orlando. He proudly served our country with the U.S. Navy and worked as a technician in the Apollo Space Program at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He has been employed with Phelps Dodge, Dana Incorporated, and Western State Hospital, where he retired, as their Maintenance Supervisor.
Beyond working as an electrician and HVAC specialist, his life’s devotion was in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Over 40-plus years, he has served as lead pastor at Victory Baptist, Mannington Baptist, Britmart Baptist, Bethel Baptist, and Emmanuel Baptist.
Jim was a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle to the family members who mourn his passing. We remember Jim for the hard-working and caring man that he was. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that he generously supported during his lifetime.
