James "Jim" Thomas Kearce, 84, entered his heavenly home on December 10, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. The Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, January 16 at his home church, First Baptist Church of Blountstown, Florida at 1:00 pm CST. The family will respectfully observe COVID protocols including social distancing and face coverings.
Jim was born December 29, 1935, in Blountstown, Florida. He was the first of five children and only son born to his loving parents, George Alison Kearce and Jeanette Howell Kearce. Musically inclined at an early age, he worked the pumps on the organ while he and his grandmother, Anna Hayes Kearce sang, "Oh, How I Love Jesus". He made his singing debut at the age of four at a little rural church in Florida.
Jim graduated from Blountstown High School in 1954, where he excelled in athletics as well as music, and was recently inducted into the Blountstown Football Hall of Fame. After graduating from high school, Jim attended Florida State University, where he was a football teammate of future Hollywood legend, Burt Reynolds, and a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduating from Florida State with a Degree in History and Speech and Masters work in voice, Jim's next chapter in life led him to Parris Island where he served as Assistant Chaplain and Soloist in the United States Marine Corp. The opportunity to serve in the Marine Corp was an honor and prideful moment for Jim, who loved his country deeply, and remained a true American patriot for the remainder of his life. After leaving the Marine Corp to continue graduate studies at Florida State, he met and married the love of his life, Lamoine Brittan Kearce. He then completed his Juris Doctor's degree at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. Jim continued serving in various church musical leadership roles throughout the South as well as the West Coast, including Director of Music at the First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills, California. After a stint in California with some movie roles and singing engagements, he moved to the Nashville area where he hosted a weekly musical variety show (The Jim Kearce Show) on ABC. He also directed a choral group, the Sir James Singers, from Western Kentucky University who performed at Walt Disney World's grand opening and throughout the south. His production company produced records, television shows for syndication, and documentaries. His personal recordings include the genres of gospel and pop and country. He remained active as a soloist in crusades in the United States and Internationally including Brisbane and Sydney, Australia and numerous times in Belfast, Ireland.
Jim loved Florida State University and supported his Alma Mater in many fundraising endeavors including an endowed athletic scholarship. He was a Seminole Boosters Golden Chief and a season football ticket holder for over 55 years.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Lamoine Brittan Kearce; his children Cami Kearce Masai (Marshall), of Blountstown, Fl; James "Jay" Thomas Kearce, Jr., of Alpharetta, Ga., George "Britt" Brittan Kearce (Stephanie), of Roswell, Ga.; Kristal Kearce Watson (Roger), of Canton, Ga.; and William "Matt" Mathew Kearce (Christy), of Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.; eight grandchildren, Calen and Cameron Masai; Trey and Will Watson; Collin and Gil Kearce ; C.J. and Brady Kearce; three sisters, Gayle Kearce Grimes (Billy), of Tallahassee; Sandra Kearce Smith (Jack), of Blountstown, and Kim Kearce Barnes of Sneads, Fl. Jim is predeceased by his parents, George and Jeanette Kearce, and a sister, Patricia Kearce Simpson. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.lakesidefuneralhomega.com. Lakeside Funeral Home (770) 293-2757 is honored to assist the Kearce Family.

In lieu of flowers, we are remembering Jim with a contribution to Samaritan's Purse International Relief, a Billy Graham Association. This organization so graciously served the community of Blountstown post Hurricane Michael. Donations can be made at samaritanspurse.org or mailed to Samaritan's Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.