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James M. Kerwin

January 18, 2023 9:36AM CST
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James M. Kerwin, 79, passed away the morning of December 13, 2022 at the Worth County Convalescent Center.  James was two days shy of his 80th birthday.

James was born December 15, 1942 in Parnell, MO to Phillip and Mildred Kerwin.  James joined older siblings:  Mary Jo Guard (2017), Robert (2017) & Martin.

James graduated from Ravenwood High School in 1960. Having served in the Missouri Air Guard for seven years, ultimately receiving the rank of Technical Sergeant.

James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Ann Hunt on April 25, 1964 at St Joseph Parish, Parnell, MO.   While James and Carol Ann established their family they lived on the Kerwin family farm.  Welcomed to this union were Martha Ann, James Anthony and Sarah Ann.  They moved to the Herndon place farm and finally to Grant City.  James continued to run and grow the family farm in addition to eventually working at the Maryville Treatment Center for 18 years.

James was extremely proud of both Kerwin & Hunt Family 100 Year Farms.

In addition to his family and farming, James was an active parishioner and Eucharist Minister at St. Joseph’s Parish.  James lived a lifetime of never knowing a stranger. He would be one of the first to help a stranded motorist or lend a hand to anyone. He lived his faith by example and lived the “Golden Rule.”  Lending a helping hand throughout the community whenever asked.  James was involved with 4-H, MFA & helping the VFW Auxiliary.

He delighted in traveling, especially to the Branson area to watch a few shows, explore the community, enjoy some wonderful meals and the company of family.  James and Carol Ann took numerous cruises with family & friends as well.

James is survived by his daughter Martha (Ron) Christian of Maryville, MO, son Jim (Susan) of Grant City, MO and daughter Sarah (Mike) Flanagan of Overland Park, KS.

Grandchildren:  Corey (Heidi) Kerwin of Grant City, MO, Racheal (Alan) Wilson of Council Bluffs, IA, Andrew (Dava) Christian of St. James, MO, Andy Kerwin of Lenox, IA, Michael Christian of Maryville, MO, Thomas Kerwin of Diagonal, IA and  Bethany (Drew) Elliott of Omaha, NE, Christopher Thurman, Parnell, MO

Great Grandchildren: Rayleigh, Gunnar, Cobain, Violet, Evelyn, Layton, Cardor, Opal, Rose & Truman

Sibling:  Martin Kerwin of Ravenwood, MO

Siblings in Law:  Bobbi Jo Bainum of Redding, IA, John (Joyce) Hunt of Coralville, IA, Danny Hunt of Grant City, MO, Timothy (Cynthia) Hunt of New Hampton, MO, Lisa Hargrave of Grant City, MO, Lena Hunt of Grant City, MO and Pat Kerwin of Houston, TX.  Numerous nieces & nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

Preceded in death by beloved wife Carol Ann, parents Phillip & Mildred, Siblings:  Mary Jo Guard and Robert Kerwin, 2 infant siblings, sister-in-laws: Arda Kerwin and brother-in-laws:  Michael Bainum, Dennis Hunt, John Hargrave & Edward Guard.

Per James’ wishes he will be helping advance medical education by his body being gifted to Kansas City University, School of Osteopathic Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to be determined later. Arrangements under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO .

Services for James will be held at 2;00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the funeral home with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to service time. Burial will be at a later date in Seven Dolors Cemetery.