James Parker McKerley

Jim was born on March 31, 1931 in Gerrish, NH the son to the late David and Mary (Dawson) McKerley

Jim was a graduate of the Penacook High School Class of 1949. He then went on to attend the University of New Hampshire as well as Northeastern University.

Jim was a proud Veteran. He served in the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. Jim served on board the USS Reed Bird, USS Friget Bird, USS Detection, USS Livermore, and the USS McKencie. He was involved with the Korean Conflict, Berlin Crisis, and the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy as Chief Petty Officer, Chief of the Command.

Jim was the co-owner of McKerley Health Care Centers until it was sold in 1995. He was also the co-owner of Secure Care Products.

Jim had profound involvement in the community. He held numerous positions with various organizations including; President of New Hampshire Health Care Association, American Health Care Association, American College of Health Care Administrators, Concord Boys and Girls Club, Chairman of Juvenile Parole Board, Past Grand Chaplin of IOOF White Mountain Lodge #5, and member of American Legion Post #56. He was also on the board of the NH Alzheimer’s Study, NH Nursing Board, and the Salvation Army Board.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. He proudly held license #1 for Muzzle Loader in New Hampshire. He also enjoyed dancing, gardening, and HAM radio contacts.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn”Bridget” McKerley; his son, Mark McKerley and his wife, Rev. Kim McKerley; his daughter, Cheryl Tapply and step-daughter, JenniferYemeniciler and her husband, Hakki; his grandchildren, Kirsten, Patrick, Craig Mckerley, and Rev. Erin Finn and her husband, Joey and great grandson, Hunter Flinn; his sister, Betty Ekstrom; sisters-in-law Priscilla McKerley, Gloria McKerley, Shirley McKerley, Sharon Eagle, and Rachel Eagle and her husband Robert Mullen; brother-in-law David Eagle; many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, and mother of Cheryl and Mark, Marilyn Burdette McKerley; Brothers David, Forrest, Stillman, and Matthew; and brother-in-law William Eagle.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday September 6, 2022 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday September 7, 2022 at 11:00AM at St. Raphael’s Church, 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME 03904. Private burial will follow at Orchard Grove Cemetery in Kittery, ME.

For those wish memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Jimmy Fund, or Home Base Veteran Care at Mass General Hospital.

Call Hours and Funeral Services have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home in Concord, NH and Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home in York, ME.