In Memory of

James

Preston

Kern

Sr.

Obituary for James Preston Kern Sr.

Mr. James Preston Kern Sr., age 80, of Covington, died Saturday, August 25, 2018, at his residence. He was the husband of Mary Cook Kern.
Mr. Kern was born March 14, 1938, the son of Seymour Henderson Kern and Kathleen Curry Kern. A lifetime resident of Alleghany County, Mr. Kern served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Navy. J.P. was a retired and long time member of the Falling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad and a member of Falling Spring Ruritan Club. He was a former employee of Hercules Inc, H.O. Canfield, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Department, a foreman with MPW and a school bus driver for the Alleghany County School System. J.P. was a loyal part time employee of Loving Funeral Home.
He was a member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church and a trustee of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. J.P. was a long time member of Covington Masonic Lodge #171 AF and AM. He served his lodge as Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden and Marshall.
In addition to his wife of over sixty years, Mary Cook Kern, he is survived by one son; James P. “Jim” Kern Jr., two daughters; Olivia “Libby” Kern Nicely and husband Timmy, Deborah “Debbie” Kern Henderson and husband Mike, one brother; Seymour Harold Kern, two sisters; Joyce Myers and Mary K. Morgan and husband Pat; two brothers- in- law; John Fox and wife Linda and Issac Fox and wife Helen, and one sister- in-law; Betty Cook Kern.
J.P. enjoyed his four grandchildren, Matt Henderson and wife Diana, Chad Henderson and wife Kara, Jacklyn Shifflett and husband Jeffery and Adam Nicely and wife Katelyn; seven great-grand children; Izayah Shiflett, Julius Shiflett, Myles Henderson, Cora Henderson, Quinn Henderson, Emma Nicely, Jayden Hiner, numerous nieces and nephews and caretaker, Shawn Wright.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers; William H. “Bill” Kern, Herman Ernest “Heck” Kern, Robert Eugene “Bob” Kern, Harry Gilman Kern, Jackson Ryland Kern, Johnnie Snead Kern and one sister Thelma Jane Kern Brown.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
Military rites will be conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Masonic rites will be conducted by the Covington Masonic Lodge #171 AF and AM.
Last Call will be conducted by the Falling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com