JAMES WALTER KERN
By Franklin L. Kern

 Jim went to St. Lorenz Lutheran School, Frankenmuth Pubic High School (2 years), Arthur Hill High School, after which he entered military service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.  After he returned from service, he attended Bay City Jr. College for two years and subsequently obtained his BBA from The University of Michigan.  On August 14, 1949 he married Vera Kurpsel from Millington, Michigan.

After graduation he obtained a job at the Frankenmuth State Bank for a few years, working day to day with his father Ruben.  He subsequently obtained a job with Merrill Lynch as a Registered Stock Broker, then as Sect.-Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of Michigan Oil Co. (a Saginaw firm).

Jim returned to Frankenmuth State Bank as their Auditor.  (At the same time, his brother Frank was the Auditor at Second National Bank of Saginaw).  Jim subsequently became V.P. Controller and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the bank.  When the bank was sold, he became the VP Investment Officer of New Century Corp. and retired in 1986.

Jim joined his father as a member of the American Legion Post #150 and subsequently became the Commander of the Post and subsequently the District Commander. 

He was active in the Frankenmuth community as a member of Rotary, being it’s President at one time.   He was an organizer of the Willkommen Park on Main Street where the veteran’s memorial is now located.  He was Chairman of the Frankenmuth Bicentennial Commission.  As Chairman he responsible for developing Cross Park, located at the southern entrance to Frankenmuth.  Jim also was Chairman of the Board of Wickson Memorial Library, and served as a Member of Board of the Greater Frankenmuth Area Community Foundation.

He became President of the Frankenmuth Historical Association, helping them obtain the excellent exhibit of early Frankenmuth settlers.  He was also a member of it’s Endowment Fund.

At St. Lorenz he was head Elder, served on the Planned Giving and Estate Planning Committee, usher, plus other committees.

Jim had hobbies of making maple syrup at his woods.  His artistic talents were focused on marquetry art work of various local buildings and scenes.  He was a member of Trout Unlimited and loved fishing with his brothers and nephews.

Jim was a very good athlete.  He was a softball pitcher for a number of local and Saginaw teams.  He was a caddie at the Bridgeport Country Club and became an excellent golfer.  (He, along with brother Harry and Frank all had Holes-In One).

Jim also bowled well in local leagues, and went to annual tournaments.  He bowled with his dad and uncle, and later with brother Harry, Frank, and nephews Steve, David, and Mike.

Jim passed away while traveling to Arizona for a vacation on 12/31/1998.