Jim R Kerschner

Jim R. Kerschner
October 27, 1954 ~ December 16, 2017
Jim Kerschner, 63, peacefully passed away Saturday, December 16th in his home. He bravely battled renal cancer for almost two years. True to his personality, he never gave up, he was always positive and fought to the very end.
Jim Kerschner was born in Wallace Idaho on October 27, 1954, to Merle and Rachael Kerschner. He was the youngest of four children. He spent his childhood in, Coeur d’Alene, Hailey Idaho, and Lordsburg New Mexico. At the age of 15, Jim moved to Colorado living in Ouray for a short time and then finally settling in Montrose. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1973. Jim always had a passion for sports and during his high school years, he participated in basketball, football, and baseball (his favorite).
Jim spent many years of his life working at the Red Barn. He started as a dishwasher for Fritz Hanna and continued working for Ted Nelson and eventually buying the restaurant. He shared his work ethic and ambition, mentoring many employees including much of the youth of Montrose. He was always willing to support someone in need, even when it meant having conversations that shared honest feedback and knowledge.
His love for athletic competition never left him. He was active in coaching, playing and mentoring in all aspects of sports in Montrose. Jim began broadcasting high school sports with Lloyd McMillan in the early 90’s. Through broadcasting, Jim found his new passion in radio.
After selling the Red Barn in 2002, he began working full time at KUBC. During that time, his dedication to the community grew, making it a priority in his daily life. His voice became well known because of his daily morning talk show and from hosting “The Greatest Sports Show on Earth” every Saturday morning.
Jim had a lifelong connection with the agricultural community. He always supported local 4-H and FFA. He had great respect for their hard work, strength, and independence.
Outreach to the community and supporting veterans was very important to him. In 2004, he spearheaded a fundraiser, a radio marathon, to raise money for the organization Operation Sweet Tooth. In the years of the marathon, Jim and the community raised over 650,000 dollars. This money went directly to support the organization and Marta Taylor’s mission to send troops needed supplies and special gifts.
Jim loved the public but was most comfortable when he was surrounded by his wife, Cheryl, his kids and grandkids. It made him proud to teach all the “important” life lessons and skills to his family. His grandkids brought out his inner child, he loved to goof around and laugh with them.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughter Chrissy (Tim) Simmons and grandson Cole; daughter Krissy (Tom) Grett and grandchildren Karsyn, Cole and Payton; and son Zach (Erin) Ray and grandchildren Emory and Lilly.
A heartfelt thank you to San Juan Cancer Center, Montrose Memorial Hospital, Hope West and all the individuals who kindly and generously spent hours caring for Jim, helping his entire family through the journey.
Jim’s character, honor, dedication, and passion touched the lives of everyone who he met. Jim made it a priority that everyone knew they were important. It was said that when you talked with Jim you walked away a better person.
Thank you, Jim, for all you have done, the voice of the valley will never be forgotten.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, December 28th at 2:00 pm at the Lloyd McMillan Gymnasium, Montrose High School. A reception will follow at the Montrose Elks. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hope West or your favorite charity in the name of Jim Kerschner. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.