James R. Kerr

His life was marked by love of his family, integrity, and quiet dedication. His roots in Attica, Indiana remained an important part of who he was throughout his life, and he carried strong values that guided him in all he did.

Jim was a lifelong lover of golf, airplanes, and woodworking. He was proud to be a human factor’s engineer and helped to build and design the C-17 cargo plan. He achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and first solo-ed at the age of 57. He loved big band music with a passion and dancing with our mom for decades. With patience and care, he made thousands of beautifully constructed boxes, generously giving them away to friends and family as tangible expressions of his love. He had a heart of gold, a smile that could light up a room, and beautiful blue eyes that sparkled. Jim loved deeply and fully, and that love will continue to live on through all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Shirley Ann Kerr, his two sons, Mike and Steve Kerr; his two daughters, Jenny Solter and Susan (Suzy Q) Kerr; and his nine grandchildren, Matthew Kerr, Melissa Jeffrey, Sara Bishop, Christy Scarbro, Brian Kerr, Jon Kerr, Kelly McFadden, Nathan McFadden, and John Solter. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Brady and Jessica Kerr, Christopher, Blake and Madison Jeffrey, Sam and Savannah Scarbro, Elijah, Haddie and Maya Kerr. He is also survived by his nephew, Tom Benson and his niece, Lynn Lafollette.

He is preceded in death by his devoted mom (and our beloved Grandma), Juanita Delphine Day, his revered father, Alvin (Doc) Kerr, his sacred sister, Priscilla Benson and his dear niece, Becky Benson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider acts of kindness, giving out hugs, or making a donation in his memory to The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation.

Like the one-of-a-kind wood working creations he so carefully crafted, our dad’s life was built with intention, patience, and love—and his love, tenderness, beauty and generosity will be treasured forever.

A funeral service will be held at Garden Grove Methodist Church, located at 12741 Main St., Garden Grove, CA 92840, on January 26, 2026, starting at 3:00 pm.

A Committal Service with military honors will be held on Thursday, January 29th at 1:15 p.m at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.