HORNELL / BATH-Jack W. Kerr, JR, 68, of Bath, NY died early Thursday morning (June 22, 2016) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on August 26, 1948, he was the son of Jack & Helen (Weaver) Kerr SR.
Jack grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966). He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Vietnam era from 1968-1970. While in the Army, Jack was stationed in South Korea.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jack was employed for several years as a welder at Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, Morrison Knudson as well as various places throughout the country. For 23 years, he served as a correction officer, primarily at Groveland Correctional Facility. He retired November 27, 2007.
A resident of the Bath area for the past 35 years, Jack was a life member of the Bath VFW and a member of the New York State Correction Officer and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). He was an avid hunter & fisherman who spent many hours afield with his best friend, Pete Watson. He also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and restoring old tractors. Jack loved to travel and as a young man, spent two years traveling throughout the United States. One of his favorite pastimes was simply spending long hours in his cabin in the woods with his canine companion, Tucker!
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack W. Kerr, SR; his long-time companion, Judy Lewis.
Surviving are his mother, Helen Kerr of Bath; 6 brothers, Greg (Linda) Kerr of Hornell, Steve Kerr of Bradford, NY, Dave (Kelly Stedman) Kerr of Bath, Karl (Fran Mae) Kerr of Bath, Dan (Deb Stanford) Kerr of Hornell and Jim Kerr of Bath; 3 sisters, Cindy Flanagan of Bath, Elizabeth Allaway of Daphne, AL and Susan (Marcus Bell) Potter of Daphne, AL; Judy Lewis’ extended family; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.
At Jack’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jack’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830 or to Steuben County SCOPE, 7771 Telegraph Rd., Bath, NY 14810.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
