James Kessler

1944 - 2020

JAMES THOMAS KESSLER
May 13, 1944 - November 21, 2020

James Thomas Kessler passed away at his home in Bakersfield with his wife by his side on Saturday November 21, 2020. He was 76 years old.

Jim was born May 13, 1944 to Russell Milton Kessler and Anna Florence (Long) Kessler at Wilshire Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He spent his formative years growing up in Los Angeles and Monterey Park where he attended Mark Keppell High School. His family moved to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota his Senior Year where he played football, basketball, wrestled, and ran track. He graduated in 1963 from B.P.H.S. In the fall of 1963 Jim came to live with his Aunt and Uncle, Lloyd and Jerry Stephens, to attend Bakersfield College. It was there that he met and later married his wife of 54 years Dona (McDonald) Kessler. In 1967 Jim became a firefighter with the Kern County Fire Department, earned a Fire Science Degree from B.C. and became a Captain in 1975. His career lasted 33 years much of it spent serving as a relief Captain around the County where he made many friends. He earned the nickname "Gentleman Jim" among his peers. He retired September 11, 1999.

After retirement Jim joined his wife Dona and lived in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for a few years. After enjoying all the beauty and lifestyle the area provided the two of them decided to buy a motorhome and travel much of the United States. Family and illness brought them back to Bakersfield where they remained until Jim's death. Along with travel Jim enjoyed golfing, fishing, kayaking, dancing, painting and writing poetry. He never met a stranger and always made lots of friends wherever he landed.

Jim was known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone who needed it and he will truly be missed by his many family and friends.

Jim is survived by: his wife Dona; daughter Suzette Benally, son-in-law Dr. Attlee Benally and grandson Austin; son Phillip Kessler and wife Adrianna, granddaughter Kristine Miranda, husband Luis and great grandson Miles; granddaughter Alyssa, and grandson Phillip Jr.

No services are planned at this time. Your condolences and remembrances can be shared with the family on the Greenlawn Funeral Homes website at www.GreenlawnFunerals.com .