Just found out about Jackie. So sorry to hear. Jackie was a great guy, always smiling. I remember I was at the Moon Light Mile watching guy and pip Gillette play and I had a "wee bit" too much to drink. Not obnoxious just being loud. And Jackie was either bartending or a bouncer and he asked me politely to leave. Unfortunately I started crying and he really felt bad for me. He made sure I found a way home so I didn't drive. I asked him if I was allowed to come back or if I was 86 d and he said of course you can come back. I came back the next night and I apologize to the band as well as Jackie and he gave me a big hug. Thank you Jackie for being such a nice guy. Miss you and love you

I was recently on the way back to Jackson Hole, Wy. from a Court session & visit with my baby Son Travis. Decided to hit the Nooner there in Denver. When it ended your name came up & I was informed you had passed. From one formerly insane Irish man to another...& with tears in my eyes, I want to give you props for taking the time & helping a state raised confused young man find his way in Denver. I will always remember you & hear your voice when I hear "the bedevilments" read as well as other things. You were a great mentor & father figuire too me with a lot of the same background experiences. I Thank the Creator for  you & thank you so very much for schooling me in a new design for living. You will be so missed. God rest your Soul...Much love & respect to you & Kitty. Jeridiah

Hi Jackie, 
One of the nicest people I've known. After school we lost touch. But...our Mom's being friends would always share and exchange info on both of us and send it on. What a rip..when I was living in Dobbs, hanging out at one of my places.....and low and behold!!! Who walks in? Too funny my friend. I needed a hometown friend that night. 
You were a breath of fresh air. I was amazed you were still alive after what Mom told me with the Railroad situation and how sick you were.
I love you my friend....and Thanks for being the same person I always new...and not a stranger some have turned into. By the way.....this is ALOT OF LOVE FROM KATHY FOLEY and MOM JEANNE FOLEY.
Much love to your family, I wish them peace.

Dear Eddie, Peter and Families, 
As Chuck says, Jackie couldn't have asked for a better family that both of yours. Although I hadn't seen any of you in several years, you are all in my thoughts often from old stories and memories of years past. I, too, wish that I could be with you now, nevertheless please know that Jackie and each of you are in my prayers today and always. With so much love, Colleen

Dear Friends & Family;
We have all lost someone very special with the passing of Jack. After reading the other messages sent by his friends, it is obvious that he touched the lives of many people in a positive way. Jack was one of those people who truly was ...bigger than life! His smile, his sense of humor, his laugh, and his warm heart will all be remembered fondly.
I'll never forget how when our Grandmother (Ma McKernan)would want one of us, she would always call out the same thing, "Eddie, Jackie, Peter, Chuck, Gary." Always in the same order, always the same words. We were cousins, and in many ways brothers. But, Jack couldn't have asked for any better brothers than Eddie and Peter. Through the thick and thin of life they were there for Jack. I couldn't be more proud of you both. I love you, and wish I could be there with you today.
Chuck

I didn't know Jack that long, but he was an inspiration to me.  I will miss him very much.  My condolences to Kitty and his family.

Our condolences to Kitty, Eddie & Peter. Jackie, Nancy and I were friends throughout high school at HHS. Jackie and I played football together. I knew when he came in on offense we were going to unleash his arm or attempt a field goal. When he came in on defense someone was going to get hammered. So much athletic talent.We had some times...he had that charm. 
Steve & Nancy (Trafford) Cuppek

Ah, the power of music to heal, today's song "you're a bad dog baby, but I still want you around"

A few yrs ago, Jack was struggling financially so I told him to shake my hand & had a $20. bill for him. Next yr. was my turn to struggle; Jack said to shake his hand & gave me back my $20. (I assumed)...when I got home I found that he had given me $100. so I called to ask if he had made a mistake.
He laughed saying it was a gift...told him I would've given more than $20. if I had known how generous he'd become. We both laughed. Typical Jack! He loved people well. Condolences to Stephanie, Kitty & all his family. Joe M.

Our condolences to Stephanie, Kitty, Eddie & the entire McKernan family.  We will always have very fond memories of "Bear" that we shared together for the short time he lived in Emporia.  We are so glad we got to see him recently and relive some of those times and to catch up on all the years in between. Reading all the other entries it sounds like Jack touched alot of lives in the short time he here with all of us.  May you Rest in Peace and know you will never be forgotten.

What can I say about Jack that, no one else doesn't already know.... Jack was like a father to me. My memories are faded from the years but he was a great man, and a heart as big as the grand canyon! My only regret is that I dont have any recent memories of him. He will be missed

My deepest condolences to Kitty, and family. He loved you Stephanie. Rest in Peace Jack.

Jackie and I were dear friends during my childhood days in Hastings-on-Hudson and although we lost contact many, many years ago I will always remember Jackie's laugh and mile wide smile.  My prayers include all of your families and I wish you all Peace in Jackie's passing.

I remember Jack as kids, a year ahead of me he was Major League on the mound and from comments from friends and family here, he was Major Leage in life, too.  Missed and never forgotten.

I wanted to pass along a memory of Jack.  Back in 2001-02 when we were living together he would come in at night and I can still hear him as he walked up the front sidewalk start saying "Hey mister Bailey boy it's me"  so that he would not suprise my large black lab coming into the house.  Seams Bailey had some ptsd just like Jack.

I didn't know Jack very long, but his personality was one you never forget. He embraced me along with all the newer people with a passion, and was one of the first major influences in the rooms to keep me sober. For that, I will always be eternally grateful.
 
 I am a part of the workshop he started, and was there when he was going through some pretty heavy stuff with his health, and then his daughter...and he always stayed Jack, strong, and full of life. He was so proud of his daugher, he said he was able to watch her  stand in the middle of everything with such dignity and strength, and be present while she did, He beamed when he spoke of her. I remember him speaking about that he never thought he would have the relationship he did with her, but through his sobriety, he was able to be a part of her life, and he was so grateful for that. With Jack, you never knew what was going to come out of him next, but you could always bank on one thing- he loved his daughter so much, and he spoke so kindly and loving of her. 
Fawn McGaughey

I always called him "cousin Jackie" until he was about 40.  I have fond memories of him and all the cousins having fun up at Hastings - eating corn on the cob and playing hide and seek after dark.  I visited Jack and Kitty in 2005, and he grilled a Colorado-sized steak for dinner.  My last time spent with them was in late October 2008 when I was in Denver for a conference and they came into the city and took me out to dinner.  I really enjoyed his sincerity and how wise he had become over the years.  I always thought
I would see him again...  My deepest condolences to Kitty
and all of the other family members and friends who will miss him too.

Remembering the beautiful red-cheeked little boy you were and how thankful I am that we spent some time together in Kansas a few years ago.  You are taking the love of your brothers and all the McKernan family with you.  Rest in peace.
Love
Sharon

I didn't always listen to Jack's suggestions, but looking back he was right. I love you Jack, thank you for being honest with me...and getting me back on track when I needed a push.

It was wonderful and caring that Jack made the trips back to New England and New York for our sons' weddings, bringing the two beautiful women in his life with him, first Kitty in 2002, and in 2004 Kitty and his daughter Stephanie. It was very special to have all the McGrath cousins together again for a family celebration. With love, "Cousin" Ginny

Cousin Jack, We only saw each other occasionally in recent years but whenever we met up you always had a great big contagious smile and hug and we laughed about the good old days including when Eddie and I used to try running away from you, the little kid. You always stuck to the chase, never gave up and always caught up with us. :) It is touching to see the testimonials from those who you also stuck with and touched but I'm not surprised. We will miss you Jack. Cousin Bill

Jackie McKernan had the biggest smile and reddest cheeks and later in life he really became Santa to many....The Russell Family will miss you

My condolences to Ed, Peter and the rest of Jack's family. I wish I could have met Jack while working on the family history. I'm sure he was a great person.

Jack, don`t know what to say to you other than we were team mates since Uncle John`s Tigers and throughout high school.  we pitched together in little and they couldn`t stop us.  Yours was the arm.   And yours was the friendship.  I will have my memories of you.  God bless you and watch over you my friend.  `D`

Jack...I'm missing you and will miss all the lessons you had to teach me.  Thanks for being there and never pulling any punches.
With Gratitude,
julie

Your work here is done, but will not be forgotten. Your life left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those whose lives you touched. You will be greatly missed. With much love,

Jack's words were always genuine and when he was speaking to you directly there was an honest warmth that he truly cared. He helped me immensely in my early sobriety. God bless his family and friends who will deeply miss him

Jack was a great guy and he had a special gift when it came to helping others. He will be missed more than I can say.
Bruce Badger

I moved to Colorado over 5 years ago, Jack extended kindness and made me feel welcomed into the fellowship. He helped me get to meetings and other events. My prayers are with the family. May the love of God enfold you and bring you peace during this difficult time.

Jack....You will always be deep in my heart and soul.  I love you!

My deepest condolences to Kitty and Jack's family. You will be in my prayers.

I just wanted to pass on something Jack said to me.  It was important enough to me that I’ve remembered it from early sobriety.  I don’t remember much from early sobriety.  So, that’s saying something. 
I had been sober about 30 days and was invited to a birthday celebration that included AA’s and non-AA’s.  I hadn’t been to a social gathering that I could remember in a long time.  I was scared and wasn’t sure if I would know anyone outside of the person who invited me.  I was introduced to Jack.  He said, “I’m glad you’re here.”  The way he said it, I believed him.  No one had said that to me before (because of me J).  He was sincere and kind.  That’s all.
Thanks.  God bless you and yours,
Jill Davis

OBITUARY

Jack McKernan

24 March, 1952 – 1 December, 2010

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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