James Kern

James N. Kern, who was 89 years old, of Circleville, OH peacefully passed on 2/8/2025 in Huntersville, NC.  Neil was born on 07/05/1935 in Tarlton, OH to Paul and Margaret Kern (Hiatt).  Neil graduated from Stoutsville High School in 1953.  He started work at Dupont in 1960 and retired in 1993.  On April 11, 1958, he married Peggy Page, of Lancaster, OH and they went on to have 4 children, Kim Kern Ballinger, Kevin, Kathy (Jim Destadio), and Kirk C. Kern (Shery Landis).  After retirement, Neil and Peggy enjoyed traveling to Destin, FL for the winter months with many friends from the Circleville area for about 20 years.  Neil stayed active by playing basketball until the age of 54, baseball/softball, and golf.  In addition, Neil coached baseball in Stoutsville and helped start the Tri County Little League baseball program.  He was a member and officer of the A-C Athletic Boosters, and was a member of the Elks for 59 years.  Neil served a total of 11 years in the Air National Guard at Rickenbacker.  He and Peggy currently attend the Community United Methodist Church in Circleville, where Neil participates in a bible study.  Neil was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Margaret Kern, his son Kevin, his brother, Jerry Kern, and his granddaughter Nicole Destadio.   He is survived by wife, Peggy, 3 children, Kim, Kathy, K.C., brother, Jeff Kern, sisters Janice Diley and Joan Stone, 10 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.  Neil's sense of humor, mischievous grin, honesty, loyalty, and unique love will be missed.  Neil was cremated and a celebration of life will be held on 3/1/2025 from 2-4 p.m. followed by a service at Wellman Funeral Home Inc., 1455 N. Court St., Circleville, OH, 43113.  Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.