Dr. James P. Kerrigan

James Patrick Kerrigan, a popular Washington orthodontist, passed away on June 19, 2012 in Rockville, MD. Born on July 4, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to John George Kerrigan and Nora Graham Kerrigan.

Dr. Kerrigan is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patricia Lilly Kerrigan; a son, James P. Kerrigan ll, (Kim) of Kauai, Hawaii and Fort Meyers, Florida; Maureen Kerrigan Guste (Billy lll) of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Kelly Kerrigan Dex (Buddy) of Rockville, Maryland; two stepdaughters, Shelly Whitmer (Bo) of Midland, Virginia, and Sabrina Ballard of Mt Hope, West Virginia; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, Colleen, Julie, Billy lV, John and Betsy; 4 step grandchildren, Anthony, Abby, Olivia, and Jessie; and 17 great grandchildren.

Dr. Kerrigan received his undergraduate degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., his dental degree from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, and his post graduate degree from Columbia University in New York City.

Jim was a devoted orthodontist, not only to his many patients, but to his profession, in which he was forever active in leadership roles in dental and orthodontic professional organizations, notably the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, D.C. Dental Society, International College of Dentists and many others. He received many awards and commendations in these societies, as well as lecturing nationally and internationally. He truly loved orthodontics and often said he, " never had a bad day at the office".

He was active in his parish of Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac, serving as an usher for many years.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors and spent many weekends at his beach cottage in Fenwick Island, Delaware. He was an avid tennis player, and loved his dogs Cashew and Casey. Most people will always remember his tremendous sense of humor and his enormous cache of jokes.

He served as a board member of Congressional Country Club.

An avid Redskins fan to the end, Jim’s family and friends will always remember him toasting every touchdown from his end zone seats and his traditional array of food and paraphernalia he brought to every game.

Dr. Kerrigan served his country honorably during World War II, stationed at the Pentagon.

Jim was truly loved by his family and many friends. We can envision him chanting "Hail to the Redskins" with St Patrick, patron saint of his beloved Ireland.

Following the visitation, the family welcomes anyone who might wish to join them at St. James Catholic Church for a 5 o'clock regular vigil mass at 925 Park Ave. in Falls Church. A traditional funeral Mass will be held at the time of his internment at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J Fox Parkinson's Foundation, or Casey House Hospice in Rockville, MD.