James Kerestman

James Kerestman, loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, was at home, surrounded by his family, when he passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017. He was born Dec. 27, 1933 in Painesville OH to Joseph and Julia (Turchick) Kerestman. He married his love, Mary Lu Palo, on Aug 6, 1960. Jimmy was a devout, lifelong, Catholic and member of the Assumption Knights of Columbus council for over 20 years. After being honorably discharged from the Army, where he was part of the occupational force in Germany, he worked and retired from Diamond Alkali (Shamrock), Brinks, and Eltech. Jim enjoyed his work and it enabled him to provide for his family and not slow down. He was a great chess player and enjoyed reading and travelling--but he would never make any reservations, so each trip was truly an "exploration." He loved all children and enjoyed the time he spent with his 13 grandchildren and 5 great grand children. He never once put himself first, and wanted nothing...save the best for his family. He was a good man. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Lu; children, Katherine Kerestman, Vicki Kerestman, Elizabeth (Robert) Persinger, James D. Kerestman, Dorothy Wright, Christopher Kerestman; sister-in-law, Jean Kender. Jimmy is preceded in death by his son, Joseph Kerestman; parents; brothers George Kerestman, Andrew Kender, Joseph Kender; sister, Rosemary Kender. Visitation will be 2-6pm Tuesday May 16, 2017 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway Rd., Geneva OH 44041. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Wednesday May 17, 2017 at Assumption Catholic Church, 594 West Main St., Geneva OH 44041. Final resting place will be Riverside Cemetery in Painesville. Contributions may be made in Jim's name to Assumption Catholic Church, 594 West Main St., Geneva OH 44041 Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com