James R. Kesler

Age 67, of Lansing, passed away on September 14, 2011. He was born in VanWert, OH on September 24, 1943. Jim Kesler was an author, artist and athlete, but most importantly he was a family man. He quite simply lived for, and in the service of his family and friends.  Very often we praise or mitigate the phases of our loved ones lives as we reflect on their time with us. With Jim there can be only the realization that the constant through his life would be his dedication to his wife and family.

Jim worked in the healthcare field throughout his life, but the passion for becoming a published author and his painting consumed the time spent when he could not attend the event of his wife, son, daughter-in-law or grandchild. He was generous of spirit to all that he encountered and could be counted on for enduring loyalty to those that asked for his help or those that he merely suspected were in need of support.

He is survived by his wife Cathie, son Seth, son Josh and his wife Molly, their daughters Lily and Maisy, son Caleb and wife Jaime, their son Bryant and daughters Delainey and Elliotte.

He will be remembered by those who loved him as someone that was heading out for a run or just getting back from one. Have a good run Dad, we will miss you.

The family will receive friends at the Youth For Christ Facility, 5222 Dumond Ct., Lansing, MI 48917 from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 2011 where a Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Trent Bushnell, Executive Director of Youth For Christ officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Youth For Christ, Smile Train, or the Lansing City Rescue Mission. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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14 Messages to “James R. Kesler

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Andy Edgel
September 15, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Hi Keslers,

Very very sorry to hear this news.

Words are few and don’t do justice in these times, but please know that everybody is and will be praying for your family in the upcoming days and weeks – be sure of that.

Thinking of you guys,

-Andy Edgel

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Steve DeCou
September 15, 2011 at 4:58 pm

I am so sorry to hear the news…

Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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manuel & margaret Tembras
September 15, 2011 at 6:01 pm

Dear Kesler family;

We are very sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this dificult time.
Love, Manuel and Margaret Tembras

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Chuck Robinson and Family
September 15, 2011 at 6:52 pm

Kesler Family, sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man who made a tremendous and lasting impact on everyone he met.

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Midge & Donald Allen
September 15, 2011 at 7:26 pm

Oh Cathie and family so sorry to hear this news. He was such an energetic and loving guy. I will always remember the fun days down in the snake pit at Huntington. Love you all and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish I could be there and wrap my arms around you during this difficult time.
Love, Midge and Donald

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Andy Kaser
September 15, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Although I never had the honor of meeting him, I can know about him. I’m blessed to know his sons and because of their passion and joy for their families and for their God – I know it’s a reflection of their dad. I pray for you all – that the peace of God would consume you. Thankful in times such as this, that we wait with the promise of Jesus…

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Judy Walker
September 16, 2011 at 1:12 pm

I had the pleasure of working with Jim during the days when he was at St. Joseph Hospital, Flint. At that time I was new into the health care financial field and he was very helpful and patient with me. Jim treated everyone with respect and in turn everyone had great respect for him.

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Gary Iompkins
September 16, 2011 at 2:47 pm

Cathie, Seth and Josh You are in my prayers.

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Missy McLellan
September 16, 2011 at 7:04 pm

To The Kesler Crew, (Especially Cathie)

I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for all of you. I am so thankful for the hope that we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our continued prayers are going up for your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys down here in Ajo.

God Bless!

Love, Missy McLellan

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"Mike" & Carol McMichael
September 16, 2011 at 11:39 pm

We are sorry for your loss. Our contact with Jim was through our walks with our dog “Sergei” and his bike rides around our subdivision. He was always quick with a warm smile and hello. May the peace of God be with you in this time of sorrow. Jim will be missed.

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James Kessler
September 17, 2011 at 4:43 am

Our condolences to the whole family. Chalotte & I think the world of You all. We see Josh & His Family members now and then.
We also know Jim cared for You All deeply.
Ken & Chalotte Hippensteel

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Dick Bowersock
September 22, 2011 at 11:45 am

Jim was my high school friend and though we lost contact with each other, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with him in recent years. I shall miss him very much, yet he will live on in my happy, crazy memories of us in high school.

My heartfelt condolences to the Kessler family, God bless you all.

And here’s to you Jim, much love and may you rest in peace my friend.

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Anup Sharma
October 1, 2011 at 9:08 am

Jim was like a second father to me during the time Caleb and I were at Huntington, and over the years. He always had a great sense of humor and such a zest for life and his family. You will be missed!

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David Janssen
December 28, 2011 at 7:57 pm

Jim was my friend! When I was a surgery resident in Saginaw, we played racquetball. About 2 times per week, we spent 2 hours together. We talked family, religion, marriage and novels! We never lost contact, but I only just found out tonite he died. Jim was not individually prideful, but he was proud of his family! He wanted to write the greatest novel. I haven’t read his work, but would love to! I would believe he thought his greatest accomplishment was the result of his marriage…his sons. As was obvious from his Christmas letters, he was so proud of them, their faith, and he definitely passed “the blessing”, like Jacob onto them. He lives in my heart!

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