James Kerley

James J. Kerley died peacefully at his home in North Palm Beach on August 13, 2015 with his wife by his side. He was 92. Beloved husband of Ann (Bauer) O'Leary and the late Dorothea (Ickler), mother of his four children. Born Nov. 20, 1922, he was the son of Philip Kerley and Jane Touey; he grew up in New Jersey and Philadelphia, graduating from Camden Catholic H.S. and returning to graduate from Temple Univ. after serving four years in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific and China; he was honorably discharged a 1st Lt. and finished his post-graduate degree at Univ. of Pennsylvania; he was an Instructor finance at Temple Univ. 1947-1951; Temple awarded him a Doctor of Laws in 1969. He first worked at the Ford Motor Co. with the "Whiz Kids" in the postwar reorganization of the auto industry 1951-58. He left to go to the Crosley Division Avco Co 1958-60; then vice president - controller Ling-Tempco-Vought, Inc., Dallas 1960-62; vice president Trans world Airlines 1962-1968; executive vice president and Chairman of Finance Committee at Monsanto Co., taking early retirement in 1981. From there he went to Emerson Electric Co. as Vice Chairman and CFO, retiring in 1985. He held twelve Directorships during the ensuing years and in 1993 accepted the Presidency of Rohr Industries, San Diego, where he reorganized the company; it later was sold to Goodyear.

He is survived by his four children, Janet miles, James J. Jr. (Terri), Doris (Vaughan) Moss, Dr. Suzanne Kerley Hetzler (Dr. Douglas Hetzler), and a step-daughter, Moira O'Leary Bell (William). He is also survived by six grandchildren and four step-grandchildren: Stephen J. Miles (Beth), John M. (Kelly), James J. III (Beth), Eric Moss, Kirsten Smith (Travis), and Connor Hetzler; Bridget Bell, Michael (Ashley) Bell, Meghan Bell and Daniel Bell. His great grandchildren number eight: Taylor Grace, Thomas J., Madeline, and Abigail Miles; Riley and John M. Jr. Kerley, Olivia Smith and Campbell Kerley.

Always interested in sports, and though his football days at Temple U. were cut short by his marine Service, he later played a lot of golf in his spare time at Old Worson Country Club, St. Louis, MO, Glen View Club Golf, IL, and Lost Tree Club, No. Palm Beach, FL, joining the latter in 1983 and becoming President in 1991-92. His family and friends will always remember his winning smile, his warm sense of humor and his infectious laugh. They will also cherish the memories of his sharp analytical mind, his phenomenal memory exercised by his lifelong love of learning. But most of all, he will be remembered for his honesty, integrity and being a fine gentleman. The family wishes to extend their appreciation for all the love and care given to Jim during his illness, especially by those who ministered to him.

Friends may gather on Saturday, Aug. 15th from 10:00am-11:00am with Mass of the Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 10970 Jack Nicklaus Drive, No. Palm Beach, FL 33408. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, or The Annual Fund, Camden Catholic High School, 300 Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ.