You may be aware that Jon Kerr had been dealing with health issues for a number of years. I am sad to inform you that Jon passed away this morning (Nov. 17) at 6:05 AM. I will share with you more information when it becomes available.
Jon was my predecessor as the Executive Director of the Paper Science & Engineering Foundation here at Miami from 2010 through 2017. He loved being an advocate for Miami, the Paper program, and the paper industry.
Please keep Jon's wife and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Paperitalo CEO Jim Thompson offered his condolences, saying "What a trooper and faithful servant of Christ. He received a kidney from his brother about 1995. The anti-rejection drugs caused him, over the years, to lose both hip joints, contract Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and other cancers and on and on and on. Always cheerful, always smiling. Many will miss him."
Following is Mr. Kerr's obituary:
Jonathan Charles Kerr of Loveland, Ohio passed away on November 17, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Denice Duane Kerr, loving father of Emily (Nicholas) Keller and Andrew Kerr (Kimberly Wetzel), and adoring grandfather of Theodore Jonathan Keller.
The youngest of three children, Jon was born to William Wallace Kerr III and Suzanne Wolcott Kerr on August 17, 1956 in Melbourne, Florida. He was blessed with a happy childhood and often shared memories of wonderful times with his family including world travels with his grandparents.
Jon committed himself to being a lifelong learner, not just in his formal studies but in the way he lived. He attended Stetson University and University of Florida, graduating from the Paper Engineering program at Western Michigan University in 1982. He received his MBA from Xavier University in 1999. Jon's passion for learning led him to a fulfilling career in pulp and paper. He was known across the industry not only for his expertise, but also for encouraging and elevating those around him. He was recognized for his many achievements and created lasting friendships all over the world.
Jon was a true servant of God, unwavering in his faith. He lived his life with purpose and intention, always remained true to his values and led every day by example. He was the ultimate family man and recognized the importance of being kind to everyone. Jon was generous with his time, talent and resources; he was passionate about his volunteer work and mentoring youth. His involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, his church community and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry left a genuine, meaningful impact on so many. Above all, he valued his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, his family and his friendships.
Jon is survived by his wife, children and grandchild, as well as his brother William W. (Judi) Kerr IV, sister Alice (Michael) Kemerling, in-laws Beverly (Alan) Schulz and Connie Flath, and several nieces and nephews: William W. (Stacy) Kerr V and family, Amanda Kerr and family, Katherine (Sterling) McNeill, Claire (Simon) Mikolayczyk and family, Fritz (Catherine) Kemerling, Julie Flath, and Jennifer Craig and family. He is preceded in death by in-laws Victor (Nancy) Duane and John Flath, and nephew J. David Kerr.
Jon's family is accepting visitors beginning at 9:30am Saturday, December 4 at Epiphany United Methodist Church, 6635 Loveland-Miamiville Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140. A celebration of Jon's life will follow at 11am. To watch the services via the Livestream, click here view.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council, 10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241.
