James F. "Jay" Kiernan
July 26, 2017Share using:
James F. " Jay" Kiernan, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 26th, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday July 31 at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray with Fr. Phillip Mensah officiating and homily by Rev. Richard Kuhn Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by Farley American Legion Post #656. Friends may call from 1 to 5 on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2575 Rockdale Rd, where there will be a parish wake service at 1:00 p.m.
Jay was born on April 3, 1948 in Dubuque, son of Cyril “Cy” and Lorraine (Ferring) Kiernan of Bankston, IA.
Jay graduated from St. Joe's High School in Farley, IA in the class of 1966.
While attending high school, Jay attained his pilot's license, his lifelong dream. He worked at Beyer Aviation, as a lineman, and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967, where he served as Military Police in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
While stationed overseas he kept in contact with family and friends through the Dubuque Regional Airport where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo (Kane). The two were wed on October 16, 1971 at St. Joseph Prairie Church.
For 43 out of 54 years of flying, Jay was a corporate pilot. 33 of those years were with Crescent Electric Supply Company and Crescent Aviation, where he retired on July 29, 2014. Jay "Never worked a day in his life while flying."
The airport and surrounding community were " Home".
Mary Jo preceded him in death on July 6, 2013.
Jay is survived by his children, Christine Geers, Jayme (Tracy) Kiernan, Keith (Angie) Kiernan, all of Dubuque, and a God "son" , Bob (Kathy) Kiernan of Dyersville, IA. 10 Grandchildren: Spencer and Abigail Geers, Matthew, Joseph, Andrew and Danielle Kiernan, Ty and Jayden Kiernan, and Levi and Blake Kiernan; and his brother William "Willy" Kiernan..
He was also preceded in death by his parents Cy and Lorraine Kiernan, Brother Terrance " Terry" Kiernan, In Laws Angella and Joseph Kane, Brothers in law, James " Jim" Haudenshield and John Beireis, and a nephew, Mark Kane.
Special thanks to his physicians, Medical Associates Clinic and Mercy Medical Center staff for their care. To the American Legion in Farley, IA Post 656 where he was a member, and to our Airport family and neighbors for all of their support.
May he have a smooth flight home.
