James Roland Kearns Sr.

LTC (Ret) James R. Kearns, 82, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2017, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born in Asheboro, North Carolina, on February 19, 1935. After high school, he attended Pfeiffer University in North Carolina, and then enlisted in the United States Army. One of his postings was Panama, where he met and married his wife, Patricia Steiner, in 1959. The following year, he voluntarily separated from the military, and went on to attend Michigan State University. In 1964, Jim re-enlisted, and resumed his long and successful military career that took him around the world, including Vietnam, where he was stationed in Saigon during the Tet Offensive, working directly for General Westmoreland and General Abrams. He also served two tours in Germany, two tours in Texas, and tours at multiple other locations, including Ft. Monroe, Ft. Meade and Ft. Lee. While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Jim received a Masters in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and later obtained his certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. One of the highlights of his career was, while at Ft. Sam Houston, being able to offer counseling and comfort to some of the prisoners of war returning from Vietnam who had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Upon his retirement from the Army in 1987, with 30 years of active service, Jim worked at the Surry County Health Clinic before fully retiring. He was active in the James City County Lions Club, the Williamsburg/James City County Master Gardeners program, the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, and in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his son, James R. Kearns, Jr. (Jimmy). He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Steiner Kearns; his daughters, Colleen Killilea and Annette Couch, both of Williamsburg; his daughter-in-law Diane Kearns; and his eight grandchildren - Brian Kearns, Stephanie Couch, Michelle Couch, Ensign Alex Couch, Megan Killilea, Bridget Killilea, Marianne Couch, and Elizabeth Kearns.

Jim was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was thoughtful, kind, and patient, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, October 28 at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, with the family receiving guests from 10:15 AM until the Mass begins at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the St. Bede Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, it is kindly requested that donations be made in Jim’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation http://www.parkinson.org/.