Obituary of James Clifton Kearns, III
James “Jimmy” Kearns, III, 64, went to his heavenly home above on Monday, September 12th, 2022. Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife Gale Bartley Kearns, father James Kearns Jr., brother John Kearns, niece/daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” Lusk, aunt Christine Kearns Moore, and special friends Charley Holley and Everett “Woody” Holt.
Jimmy was a good father, friend and an avid car enthusiast. Jimmy enjoyed attending and displaying his “77 Dream” in local car shows from Covington to Roanoke. He could be found displaying and driving the 1977 Corvette that he kept lovingly restored in his wife’s memory on the Crusin’ Nights on Williamson Road.
Jimmy also enjoyed Star Trek and James Bond movies as well as the Top Gun movies. He loved family cookouts and was always the “Grill Master”. He would always say, “If you don’t eat or have fun it’s your own fault!” Jimmy was always quick to lend a helping hand to friends and family which included helping to raise his great nieces as his own granddaughters into adulthood. He was “Pops” to all. The brightest light in Jimmy’s life was his son of whom he was extremely proud.
Jimmy is survived by his son Jordan Kearns, mother Dorothy Gross Kearns, brother Joseph “Sarge” Kearns, sisters Janice Weaver, Betty Joan “BJ” Kearns, and Melinda Thomas (Ben). Nephews/Sons Terrance Clark (Amy) and Joel Clark (Heather). Great nieces/granddaughters Sommer Quantz-Hostetter (Sam), Angel Foster (Scott), Victoria “Tori” Lusk (Donna Marie), Mistei Tilley (Ian). His Uncle Willard Kearns (Irene). His special cousins: Chris Gross (Kelly) and Rhonda Dee Moore. Special friends: Connie & Wayne Crawford, Ronnie Harrison and Veronica Grantham and his beloved dog, Thor as well as many other family members who were all special to Jimmy.
There will be a gathering of friends and family on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road.
Private services for the family will be held at a later date.
