James “Jim” Kersting, age 85, of North Judson, Indiana passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 12, 2021. He was born on April 23, 1936, in North Judson, Indiana to the late Burnell Kersting and the late Catherine (Bau) Kersting.
On July 2, 1960, Jim married Nella Minix, who preceded him in death on July 27, 2003. In May of 2007, Jim married Roberta(Short) Chapman, she survives him.
Jim was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of North Judson, Indiana. Jim served in the United States Army from September of 1957 to June of 1959. He founded his Harley-Davidson dealership in 1962 alongside his wife, Nella and eventually added their three children, Sandy, Randy and Jason. Jim built his World of Motorcycles Museum in 2003 and he loved to take his guests on tours even until more recently. When you ask someone who knew Jim what they thought of him, they always said they loved to hear his stories. He was the best story-teller. Jim was a life member of the Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Harry L. Keller American Legion Post #92, and served on the WKVI Board of Directors for several years. Jim was a torch carrier for the Indiana Bicentennial in 2016. He was the recipient for the Henry F. Schricker “service before self” award in 2017. He was most recently the Grand Marshall for the 2021 North Judson Mint Festival in which he helped inaugurate in the late 70’s. He was a proud citizen of Starke County, Indiana and he supported many local organization through the years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta, three children, Sandy(Jansen) Rudd of North Judson, Indiana, Randy(Kris) Kersting of Winamac, Indiana and Jason(Dawn) Kersting of Winamac, Indiana; six grandchildren, Alicia(Isaiah) Collins, Andrea(Todd) Jackson, Justin(Jordann) Kersting, Katie(Austin) Polen and Joshua Kersting all of North Judson, Indiana and James Kersting of Indianapolis, Indiana. Four great-grandchildren; Kerslynn Ella, Kash Johnathon, Jarrod David and Poppy Ella and another addition due in December 2021 Charles Carson. Two sisters Phyllis Rozhon and Lorraine Hughes.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Nella Kersting, and parents Burnell and Catherine Kersting.
Visitation will be held at Braman and Bailey Funeral Home, 6020 South Oakwood Avenue, North Judson, Indiana on Sunday September 19, 2021 from 3 to 8 PM.
Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 810 Sate Road 10 North Judson, Indiana, on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 12 PM with visitation 2 hours prior at the church. Pastor Dan Speckhard will be officiating. Burial will take place in the St Jacobs cemetery in North Judson, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nella Kersting Memorial Fund – Northern Indiana Community Foundation.
