James J. Kerley Sr.

Beloved husband of Ann (Bauer) O’Leary and the late Dorothea (Ickler), mother of his four children. He is survived by his four children, Janet Miles, James J. Jr. (Terri) , Doris Moss, Dr. Suzanne Kerley (Dr. Douglas Hetzler) and step-daughter Moira O’Leary Bell (William). He is also survived by six grandchildren and four step-grandchildren: Stephen J. Miles (Beth), John M. (Kelly), James J. III (Beth), Eric Moss, Kirsten Smith (Travis), Connor Hetzler; Bridget Bell, Michael (Ashley) Bell, Meghan Bell, Daniel Bell. He is a great grandfather to Taylor Grace, Madeline, Abigail, and the late Thomas J. Miles; Riley and John M. Jr. Kerley, Olivia Smith and Campbell Kerley.

Born November 20, 1922, he was the son of the late Philip Kerley and Jane Touey. He grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Camden Catholic High School. After graduating from Temple University, he served four years in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific and China. He was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant. He completed his post graduate degree at University of Pennsylvania.

Jim had a long and interesting professional life. He began it by teaching finance courses at Temple University from 1947 to 1951. Temple awarded him Doctor of Laws in 1969. He entered the corporate world when he went to work for the Ford Motor Co. with the (Whiz Kids) in the post war reorganization of the automotive industry from 1951 – 1958. He then joined the Crosley Division of Avco Co. 1958 – 1960 followed by the position of Vice President-Controller of the Dallas based Ling-Tempco-Vought, Inc. from 1960 -1962. He and his family then moved to Greenwich, CT where Jim became Vice President of Finance for Trans World Airlines from 1962 – 1968. A move to become Executive Vice President and Chairman of Finance Committee at Monsanto Company brought the Kerleys to St. Louis, Mo where he took early retirement in 1981 . He became the vice Chairman and CFO at Emerson Electric shortly thereafter, retiring from Emerson in 1985.

He held twelve Directorships during the ensuing years, and in 1993 accepted the Presidency of ROHR Industries, San Diego, where he reorganized the company.

Although Jim enjoyed most sports, golf and the St. Louis Cardinals were his passions. He always considered himself fortunate to be a member of Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis, Mo and Lost Tree Country Club in North Palm Beach, FL, joining the latter in 1983 and becoming President in 1991-1992.

His family and friends will always remember his lifelong love of learning, winning smile, his warm sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his love of singing. And these are some of the many reasons he was so loved and will be dearly missed.

The entire Kerley Family thanks-from the bottom of their hearts-the people who loved and cared for Jim these last five years. Knowing that Lee Greco, Debora Patunus and Sonia Randell were there with Jim gave peace and comfort to those of us who lived away.

Friends may gather to celebrate Jim’s life at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7148 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, Mo, 63105 on Saturday, August 22. There will be a visitation at 9:00 AM, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial is Private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the James and Dorothea Kerley Scholarship, Office of Development, St. Louis University, DuBourg Hall, Room 319, 221 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, Mo, 63103 or The Family Center, 9450 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Mo, 63119.