James Robert Kern

James Robert Kern (Jim), 84, of St. George, Utah, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, peacefully in his home after a long battle with dementia. Jim was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Kenneth Kern, Lois Kern Driver, John Kern, Marjorie Kern Lord and Theodore Kern. He is survived by his wife, Gudrun, his children, Chris Hickenlooper, Peggy Hrabar (John), Jim Kern Jr. (Heidi), and Michelle Pursley (Rob). After raising their 4 children, they raised 4 of their nieces and nephews: Debbie, Stephen, Robert and Jenny. He has 33 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. 

Jim leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, love, and adventure. He was a great example of doing what you love and working hard doing it. He loved working on cars and owned several Phillips 66 Service Stations in Colorado. He later headed the transportation department for school districts in Arizona and New Mexico. He and his wife Gigi loved skiing, and were able to teach many people to ski while they were ski instructors (including his grandkids). He taught his family the importance of faith and service and led by example. He was able to serve two service missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central America and on the Oglala Sioux Reservation in South Dakota and served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. He knew the importance of having hobbies and having fun. He enjoyed hiking, biking, camping, gardening, and skiing. Jim loved including his family in his hobbies and as result his family remembers him with great fondness. His grandkids especially loved his nightly ice cream ritual. Jim made the world a better place and he will be missed by all who knew him.