James Richard "JR" Kersey

James Richard Kersey, known to many as “JR,” 73, of Fairview was called Home on May 26, 2022. 

James was born December 18, 1948, to Marcele Trout Kersey and Clyde Kersey of Fountanet, IN. He married Ruth Ann Watson on September 1, 1972. He was a master carpenter and woodsmith, in addition to retiring from Eli Lilly & Co. in 2009 after 30 years of service. He was a 32-degree free mason, a skilled master craftsman, a volunteer fireman and spent many years volunteering on the Lilly Endowment scholarship committee for the Vermillion County Community Foundation. He loved all things history and never relented in his pursuit of knowledge. 

James was a devoted, loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters Nelly Sue Clark and Mari Schaffer, his brothers-in-law Bob Watson, Bob Loudermilk and Glen Frederick. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth Ann; children Krystal Wake, Lory Kersey (Paul Walters), Joshua Kersey (Christina) and James Kyle Kersey (Jenny); grandchildren Christopher Wake (Christina), Michael Wake, Aaron Kersey, Ethan Kersey, Couper Kersey and James Kersey; sisters Gladys Frederick and Donna Loudermilk; brother Clyde Kersey (Susie); several nieces, a nephew and many friends.

Services are entrusted to Giovanini Funeral Home with visitation being held on May 31, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with services at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Lucas Lane officiating, followed by a precession to his final resting place at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Clinton. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in his honor to the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care at Union Hospital. Online condolences can be made at www.giovaninifuneralhome.com

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