James Patrick Kerrigan

Jimmy was born on March 7, 1927, in Yorkville, New York, to Maurice and Agnes McGrath Kerrigan. His parents immigrated from Sligo and County Clare, Ireland, with Jimmy being the first in his family to be born in the United States.

In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Operations Technician, commissioned as an officer and earned his pilot wings. Jimmy continued to serve in the military as an Air National Guardsmen for the state of New York and retired honorably after 27 year career in the rank of Major from the US Air Force. His love of service to our nation and commitment to the community lead him to become a servant of the people as a New York City Police Officer. Jimmy honorably served 23 years as one of New York City’s Finest and was a member of the NYPD Emerald Society, Irish-American. In 1980, following his retirement, Jimmy relocated his family to the beautiful city of Gulf Breeze, Florida. After years of civic involvement, Jimmy was elected and proudly served in the Florida House of Representatives.

Jimmy’s devotion to family mirrored his professional accomplishments. He volunteered throughout his children’s school years: he was a front runner for “Mr. Mom” at cheerleading practice and leading carpools, assisted in the establishment of the Gulf Breeze High School Air Force Junior ROTC program, and a devoted member of St. Ann and St. Sylvester Catholic Church. Jimmy was proud of his God, his family, his country and his flag. He was from the Greatest Generation and a proud American.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carmen Casanova Kerrigan; his three children, Dennis Kerrigan, Kevin Kerrigan, and Lieutenant Colonel Carmen-Jaime “CJ” (Dax) Hale; and four beloved grandchildren, Kyra, Kali, Kerrigan and Langdon.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 18th at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Prior to the mass, there will be a praying of the rosary at 10:30 a.m. A funeral service with military honors will be held on Thursday, July 21st at 1:20 p.m. at Pensacola Naval Air Station’s Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Covenant Care Hospice. The Kerrigan family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of Hospice and Bay Breeze Rehabilitation Center who shared their love and support with Jimmy during his final days.