Canadice : James Lynn Kersting, 78 passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 after a year-long struggle with cancer. He was born in Jackson, MN on June 12, 1946 to George and Charlotte Kersting. Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sara, his daughter Rachel (Kersting) Luyben, his granddaughters Alison and Emma, and his brother Paul and sisters Kathy and Patrice. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law Marc Luyben.
Jim moved to Rochester, NY in 1972 to work as a counselor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He was a lifelong outdoorsman and spent his weekends hiking, cross-country skiing, backpacking, and camping in the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks. After he retired, Jim became an avid cyclist and toured the United States from coast to coast several times. He said he loved to see the country at 20 miles an hour.
Jim also cherished his time at home on the land that he shared with his wife, Sara. An excellent bowhunter, he could patiently sit for hours in a tree, waiting for the perfect buck. Jim’s care for the natural environment extended to many years of volunteer service with the Finger Lakes Land Trust, where he worked to protect the beauty of the region. He also volunteered at the Hospeace House, providing comfort and care to patients and families.
Jim was a loving husband, a great dad, a fantastic Papa, a caring brother, and a thoughtful friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospeace House http://hospeace-house-inc.networkforgood.com/ or Finger Lakes Land Trust http://fllt.org/give
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on January 17th, 2025 at the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Road, Lakeville, NY 14480. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Jim Kersting was one of the finest colleagues known during my experience at RIT-NTID. Jim was always supportive to others and ready with a huge smile. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
John Cox
Jim was a gem and a close. good friend!
We first met at NTID, RIT in 1972. We shared many adventures over the decades. Making maple syrup with students at Wild Wind Farms, assisting people with disabilities downhill ski at Swain Ski Center, establishing the RIT Outdoor Education Program.
We would hike, XC ski, paddle together on many weekends. As older back packers we even hiked the Cranberry Lake 50 again.
A few days before Jim moved onwards, he was sipping a beer and sharing wonderful memories with a few of us hiking buddies. Jim looked good, had a wonderful caring attitude. This would be our last time together. We remain connected in spirit. Love you Jim!
Jim loved this area and worked hard to preserve it. Jim served on the Canadice Town Board with distinction. The man leaves this world a little bit better because he was part of it. A dear man and a good friend and my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I knew Jim thru working at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He was a counselor there. He always had a smile. I remember the stories he told about living on Canadice Lake. He will be missed by many. RIP
Spoke with him about 6 weeks ago and he was upbeat as ever. Great guy. He inspires me to keep fighting. Sympathy to his family and friends
I will never forget the hunting advice (late-night) texts from Jim. He was always willing to share a thought or two that has helped me over the years. When I sit in the stands I will remember Jim. What a great man. May he rest in peace. All our love and sympathy. Matt, Tina and family.
My thoughts are with family and friends I talked to Jim. Back in. May he spoke with Jim back in may he was such a blessing to me and my family I was honored to have his family attend a memorial for Harriette I was honored to have spoke with jim. I know he is a special man. Too all your. Family. May the faith of. Are lord help you all in this time of pain. Remember this. Is not the end you all will see jim. Scott Schulze
My heartfelt sympathy to Sara and his siblings. RIP.
MARV
Jim was an awesome, caring and compassionate friend, coworker and mentor. We worked together at NTID for several years. He was a beautiful soul and brought smiles to those he met. His dedication to preserving the environment is to be applauded.
Sending you lots of warm hugs heavenwards
Sally Skyer