Jimmy (aka James L. Kirios) Kerr

Jimmy Kerr aka James L. Kirios, age 91, of Lynn, passed away at home peacefully Friday, July 10th with his wife Shirley A. (Corbett) Kerr by his side, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Aggelos and Christine (Economy) Kirios. Jimmy served in the Army Special Services during the Korean War and went on to replace singer Vic Damone on Armed Forces Radio. Following his service in the Army, Jimmy continued his singing career in the Northshore/Boston area and performed at premier clubs, including Blintstrub’s in Boston. After great success locally, he moved to Hollywood and soon signed a contract for Bob Hope Enterprises with James Saphier Agency. He made many professional recordings with Surf Records in the late 1950’s. Jimmy performed with Jamie Farr (Klinger on hit series Mash) as a singing comedy team in the famous style of Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. In his Hollywood days, he was a roommate with Frank Gorshin (Riddler in the original Batman Series) and performed on the Jack Parr show. 

Jimmy attended Lynn schools and graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelor of Arts where he served as president of the Varsity Club.  He also received a Post Graduate Degree from Salem State and attended Harvard University. He taught Art and History in the Lynn Public Schools. Jimmy held several other positions during his life. He was a Director of Public Relations for the Lynn Sailors, a Seattle Mariners AA Affiliate Team, and for the Lynn Pirates as well for Subaru of New England. In retirement, Jimmy taught Art at Danvers Senior Center and went on to teach art for the town of Davidson, NC. 

He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, and was the Chairman of the Harry Agganis Annual All Star Football Classic. Jimmy and Harry were best of friends up until Harry died.

In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by three sons Jim Kerr of Tampa, FL, Bobby Kerr of Farmington, NH, G. Thomas Kerr and his wife Candy Kerr of Palm Springs, CA, one grandson, Mitchel Kerr of Fort Wayne, IN, and many nieces and nephews. 

Service Details: Graveside Services will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery on Tuesday at 12:00 PM to which relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Please meet at the Parker Funeral home at 11:30 AM for the procession to the cemetery. Social Distancing guidelines will be observed according to the CDC regulations.

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