Obituary of James W. Kernan

James W. Kernan, 79, of Banks Hollow Road, Greenwood, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Corning Hospital following failing health. Born in Hornell, NY on May 28, 1943, Jim was the son of the late Walter G. and Alice Fiske Kernan. Raised around Greenwood, he was a graduate of Greenwood Central School. On January 21, 1967, Jim and the former Lucille L Graves were married at the Troupsburg United Methodist Church. Jim and Lucille operated a dairy farm together while at the same time he worked as a diesel mechanic. He had been employed by Keith Paddock & Son in Jasper, Joyce Pipeline in Andover and finally alongside his son Craig at Craig’s truck and tractor repair business in Jasper. Jim truly loved his family and treasured time with them. His favorite place on earth was at home on his farm. That was where he found the most contentment and peace. Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Lucille Kernan of Greenwood, his children, James “Craig” Kernan of Jasper, Theresa McMindes of Jasper and Lucinda Greene of Bradford, his sisters, Mary Bacon of Elkland, Lillian Meeks of Canisteo and Nikki (Roger) Mills of Greenwood, his brothers-in-law, Larry Cornell of Greenwood and Robert (Lisa) Graves of Dansville and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alice Kernan, his daughter, Melanie Kernan in 1971, his sisters, Helen Schenck and Nancy Cornell and his brothers-in-law, Robert Bacon, Dale Schenck and Karl Meeks. Friends are invited to the West Jasper Wesleyan Church on Sunday, April 30 for a session of visitation from 2 to 4 pm with a memorial service following there at 4 pm. Pastor Todd Mitchell will officiate. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull.