The founder of Kersting’s Cycle Center and later the World of Motorcycles Museum passed away Sunday, September 12. James “Jim” Kersting was 85.
Kersting was a fixture in the North Judson community, raising his children there and building his collection of rare and unique motorcycles for his museum south of North Judson on State Road 39. He loved to give tours of the facility to scores of visitors and could tell many stories.
Kersting was also a life member of the Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Harry L. Keller American Legion Post #92, and a member of the Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. Board of Directors. He was named the Henry F. Schricker Award winner in 2017 for his attitude of “service before self”, and had the honor of carrying the torch in the Indiana Bicentennial in 2016. He was the 2021 Mint Festival Grand Marshal in North Judson – a festival in which he helped develop in the 1970s.
Funeral services for 85-year-old James “Jim” Kersting, of North Judson, will be Monday, September 20 at noon CT at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson. Visitation is Sunday, September 19 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT at the Braman and Bailey Funeral Home in North Judson and Monday, September 20 from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nella Kersting Memorial Fund with the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.
