James Thomas Kersey

November 17, 1933 June 18, 2021

On Friday, June 18, 2021, at the age of 87, James Thomas Kersey--better known by his family and friends as Jim--went to Heaven to be reunited with his parents Carl and Helen Kersey and sister, Mary Helen Neal.

Jim was born on November 17, 1933 in Fairview, Oklahoma. Jim had called Bakersfield his home since the age of three and graduated from Kern County High in 1952. He met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Absher, in December 1951 at the Tejon Theater on Baker Street. She was the redheaded candy girl and he was a shy new usher and on that very night, Mary told Jim that she was going to marry him. It was love at first sight and a year later when Jim pulled the engagement ring from his pocket he said, I have a little something special for you. Jim would joke that he never asked Mary to marry him but he just didn't want to disappoint her. Jim and Mary were wed on January 5, 1953. Not a day went by that he didn't tell Mary how beautiful she was or how much he loved and adored her. Together they raised two precious daughters, Suzan and Kelly, whom he loved so dearly. When he was asked if he was sad that he didn't have any sons to carry on the family name, he would reply, I wouldn't trade my two girls for a dozen boys. He would later gain two amazing sons when his girls married Richard and Chris. Jim cherished his family and was blessed by a fulfilled life where every holiday was spent with his family--sharing memories and spending time together. He was proud of each and every family member.

He was well respected by the community. Jim served the county of Kern as a Sheriff and Investigator for over 30 years and loved everyday on the job. He started as a trainee in 1960 and retired from the department as a Senior Deputy in 1992. He was also part of the Army Reserves and served our country on many occasions. Jim was a valued member of The Caledonia Lodge #486 of The Masonic Temple and served as Master of the Lodge in 1978.

Jim had a love of gardening and being outside, his garden was so beautiful that five weddings were held in his backyard including those of his daughters. Everyone could always spot the Kersey's home because as the seasons changed, so did the flowers. He also enjoyed music and his two favorite songs included Here Comes Heaven by Eddy Arnold and Just Beyond the Moon by Tex Ritter. Both are a testament to his love of his wife and the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Kersey; his daughters and their spouses: Suzan and Richard Smith, and Kelly and Chris Hawks; his four grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Brooke Smith and her children Jacob Kersey Castro and Nicholas James Castro; Brandon Hawks; Ashley and husband Rich Grombly with their children Brantley Grombly and Declan Grombly; and Sterling and husband Eddie Barbosa with their children Ava Barbosa and Ryker Barbosa.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 1st, 2021 at 1 pm at Laurelglen Bible Church on 2801 Ashe Road. Jim will be remembered for his kind and gentle soul, as well as his quiet strength and love for his family.

When I'm gone, be not afraid. It is a place where life is made. It's a new beginning and not an end. We all will know and love again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Kersey family.