James L. McKernan
SOUTH SIOUX CITY — James L. McKernan, 85, South Sioux City, formerly of Concord, died Feb. 6, 2022, at a local hospital.
A Funeral Service will be held at 12 p.m., Feb. 15, at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Chapel, South Sioux City.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
James was born March 20, 1936, in South Sioux City, to Elwin and Eva (Sterling) McKernan. He married Joann Hansjosten April 27, 1954, in South Sioux City. The two were just shy of celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary and both were incredibly proud of the time they were married. He lived in South Sioux City for most of his life, until he and Joann moved to Concord. They lived in Concord for over 20 years before returning to South Sioux City a few years ago.
James was a Jack of all trades. He owned and operated Lakeside Welding for many years, worked in maintenance for Krause Camper Sales, and worked in maintenance for Morningside University, to name a few.
Growing up, James was a member of the Boy Scouts, and he and Joann were members of the Coachmen Camper Club for many years.
In his spare time, James loved traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, boating and fishing; he was a collector of many things, and loved to build a variety of items. He absolutely cherished his tools. He also enjoyed attending events for his family members.
He was an animal lover, especially dogs, and always had a dog in the family.
He is survived by his wife, Joann; daughter, Terri (Terry) Hexamer, Alton, Iowa, and their children, Rebecca, Steve (Samantha), Brenda (David), Shawn, Ethan and Joey; daughter, Jodi (Chris) Imafidon, Scottsdale, Ariz., and their children, Alexander, Nicole and Victoria; daughter, Lynda (Don) Ferris, South Sioux City, and their children, Michael, Jeremiah, Angela, James (Amanda) and Donald (Jenny); grandson, Joshua (Lael) McKernan; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Karen) McKernan, Dennis McKernan and Kevin (Shelly) Arnold; sisters, Ellen Perdu, Elaine Moore, Pat Kampfe and Veronica Grijalba; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James McKernan; a granddaughter, Catherine Simmons; a brother, Richard McKernan; and his step father, Edwin Arnold.