We are saddened to share the passing of James "Jim" Maurice Kercher. Jim passed away at his home - surrounded by his wife Jolene, and children Casey and Jaimi - on Sunday, June 2, 2024, after bravely battling glioblastoma brain cancer for 17 months. He was 79 years old.

Born on September 19, 1944, in Lafayette, IN, Jim was the youngest of five boys. Growing up in Illinois, Jim moved to Colorado as a teenager and graduated from Aurora High School in 1962. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree in vocal music education and a master’s degree in education administration from Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado).

Jim dedicated his career of over 30 years to the Jefferson County School District in Colorado, where he was a beloved teacher and administrator. He taught vocal music and social studies; coached basketball, football, and track; and served as an assistant principal. He also was an adjunct professor at Front Range Community College, teaching world history. Jim’s passion for education and his students' well-being left an indelible mark on those he taught and mentored. Many of his former students fondly remember him as their favorite all-time teacher, a testament to his ability to inspire and connect with young minds.

On June 21, 1986, Jim married Jolene Kae (Moss) Kercher in Colorado. Their relationship flourished, embodying a rare blend of true love and deep mutual respect. They were devoted to each other as both partners and best friends. Jim and Jolene lived and served as educators together in Colorado until they retired in 2001 and moved to Heritage Palms in Indio CA, where they became active and beloved members of that community.

Jim's love for golf was well-known. He celebrated two holes-in-one on the Heritage Palms golf course, an achievement of great pride that was a major box checked on his bucket list! At Heritage Palms, he served on the Board for the Men’s Golf Club and was a block captain for the Emergency Preparedness Team. His contributions to the community extended beyond the golf course; he was also a talented performer and MC, delighting audiences at the Heritage Palms Variety Show with his talent, charisma, and humor.

A sports enthusiast, Jim closely followed all the Denver sports teams plus the Chicago White Sox and the University of Colorado. He could name the players on the rosters and cite their statistics. Living in Colorado, he also loved camping, fly fishing and hunting. He and Jolene shared a love for theater and had season tickets to the Denver Center and Pantages Theater in LA for over 30 years. As a musician and talented vocalist, Jim and his brothers recorded a record in his youth. His passion for music extended to an eclectic taste in performers from James Taylor and The Eagles to Andrea Bocelli, and he and Jolene attended several concerts by each.

In their retirement, Jim and Jolene embraced their mutual love of travel, exploring the world for several weeks each year. Their adventures took them to numerous countries - including Europe, Great Britain, and Ireland - and they designed and followed their own itineraries, making many friends along the way. Other treasured trips included Egypt and a cruise to the Baltics and Russia.

Jim was known for his sharp sense of humor and authenticity. He loved to give people a hard time, always with a twinkle in his eye and a genuine smile. He valued his family, keeping his body strong, being a jokester, and, of course, his daily 4 pm Coors Light. These simple pleasures will live on and resonate in the memories of those who love him as core to his loving personality.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Jolene; his children from his previous marriage, Casey James Kercher and Jaimi Jo Kercher; his stepdaughter, Wendy Morris, his stepsons-in-law, Dave Morris and Brian Aggeler; and his step-grandchildren, Erin Lesser, Megan Jurgens, Nathan Morris, Brandon Morris, and Adalyn Morris, and his brother Glen. He was also a beloved great-Jimpa to Mina Lesser, Coralyn Jurgens, and Carsyn Jurgens. Jim is preceded in death by his brothers Ed, Eugene, and Warren, and his stepdaughter, Donn Aggeler.

Jim’s life was a testament to the power of love, laughter, and dedication. His legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering commitment to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Cedars Sinai Department of Neuroscience, particularly Neurosurgeons Dr. Keith Black and Dr. Raymond Chu, and Neuro Oncologist Dr. Jeremy Rudnick, for their exceptional care and empathy during Jim’s illness.

The family may be reached at 44708 Alexandria Vale, Indio, CA 92201

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