James "Jim" Kerr

James (“Jim”) Kerr was called home to God on January 19, 2021 at St. Catharines Hospital due to complications arising from a COVID-19 infection. It was a blessing that his daughter, Susan, was able to hug and kiss him just as he entered the hospital. Through his entire life he knew love and freely gave his love. It is fitting the last words he exchanged were: “I love you Dad” and “I love you too baby.”

Jim touched many lives during his well-lived 81 years. Especially, his beloved wife of 43 years, Senta; his mother, Mary; his father, Joseph; his brother, Sam; and his friends, Gladys, Mavis, Jimmy, Beulah, Charles, John and Albert. He leaves behind his daughter, Susan, and his older brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Ellie, and his family and friends Agnes, Sissi, Roseanne, Val, Trent, Marianne, George, Michelle, Yvonne, Al, Nik, Ian, Arthur, Roy, Liouba, Susan, Julie and James.

Jim was an adventurer at heart. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. He survived the Blitz of WWII and moved throughout Europe to live and work, always living life to its fullest and spending his last dime on women and dancing. He settled down in London, England to marry his first wife, Patricia, with whom he had their daughter, Susan. In the 60s, he moved his family to Canada. In 1975, Jim married the love of his life, his second wife, Senta - no man could be wealthier in the unconditional love they shared. Anyone in their presence saw love shine in their eyes and their tender touch as they held hands wherever they went. He always said to her, “I love you schatzi”, meaning: “I love you my little treasure.” She smiled quietly and blushed every time, even after 43 years.

Jim was always inquisitive, willing to listen and learn and take on any job. He thrived running several of his own businesses, operating his last store for 30+ years. He passed on this inquisitive legacy to his daughter. He was a born raconteur who loved to spin tales of his travels and family history with great hilarity. Jim was a very popular man with a big heart, always the first to extend a helping hand to his neighbours, friends and family. He was a committed Christian and worked hard to ensure his daughter came to know and love God; he succeeded. He looked forward to one day being called to his eternal home. He has now arrived and will forever live with his beloved Father.

I will miss you Dad. I love you. We all loved you.

Jim will be cremated January 29, 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial and wake in his honour will be held in the summer of 2021, followed by the interment of his ashes with his late wife, Senta.