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In Memory Of
James Stewart Kernaghan
1946
2026
James Stewart Kernaghan
Mar 11, 1946 — Sep 23, 2026
Fort Collins
Listen to Obituary
James “Jim” Kernaghan
James Stewart “Jim” Kernaghan, 80, of Ft. Collins, CO, died September 23, 2026, at home. A private inurnment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to UC Health Cancer Center.
Jim was born March 11, 1946, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Stewart and Margurite (Flury) Kernaghan. After high school, Jim attended the South Dakota School of Mines, where he earned a BS and two MS degrees in Geology. Through their ROTC program, he joined the Army and gained the rank of Captain in the Corps of Engineers. Jim was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” device for Valor during combat in Vietnam.
In 1972, Jim moved to Ft. Collins, CO, and started his geology education business, creating, among other things, rock specimen trays for classroom mineral classification. In 1980, he bought a liquor store, and in 1983, he bought Bob’s Appliance Service, both in Ft. Collins.
Jim was united in marriage with Belinda Kistler on July 19, 1980. They became the parents of James Robert.
Jim was an accomplished and trusted hot air balloon pilot. He owned “The Grape Escape” balloon (purple with gold bunting), which he had flown since 1973. October 2025 was the last time to fly with friends and family during Albuquerque’s National Balloon Fiesta, an event they attended annually. Jim introduced many to the elation of the air during many flights over the mesa. While awaiting the proper wind currents on the mesa, Jim identified innumerable rock formations, pebbles, and ‘leverites’ (leave it right there).
Left to honor his memory are his beloved wife, Belinda, and cherished son James, both of Ft. Collins; sister Avis Sosa and brother, Robert; brothers-in-law Robert (Barbara)and Mark Kistler; nieces and nephews; and the innumerable and treasured friends that Jim prized throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Monica Kistler.
May the winds welcome you with softness. May the sun bless you with its warm hands. May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and sets you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth
James Stewart “Jim” Kernaghan, 80, of Ft. Collins, CO, died September 23, 2026, at home. A private inurnment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, will be held at a later date. Memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to UC Health Cancer Center.
Jim was born March 11, 1946, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Stewart and Margurite (Flury) Kernaghan. After high school, Jim attended the South Dakota School of Mines, where he earned a BS and two MS degrees in Geology. Through their ROTC program, he joined the Army and gained the rank of Captain in the Corps of Engineers. Jim was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” device for Valor during combat in Vietnam.
In 1972, Jim moved to Ft. Collins, CO, and started his geology education business, creating, among other things, rock specimen trays for classroom mineral classification. In 1980, he bought a liquor store, and in 1983, he bought Bob’s Appliance Service, both in Ft. Collins.
Jim was united in marriage with Belinda Kistler on July 19, 1980. They became the parents of James Robert.
Jim was an accomplished and trusted hot air balloon pilot. He owned “The Grape Escape” balloon (purple with gold bunting), which he had flown since 1973. October 2025 was the last time to fly with friends and family during Albuquerque’s National Balloon Fiesta, an event they attended annually. Jim introduced many to the elation of the air during many flights over the mesa. While awaiting the proper wind currents on the mesa, Jim identified innumerable rock formations, pebbles, and ‘leverites’ (leave it right there).
Left to honor his memory are his beloved wife, Belinda, and cherished son James, both of Ft. Collins; sister Avis Sosa and brother, Robert; brothers-in-law Robert (Barbara)and Mark Kistler; nieces and nephews; and the innumerable and treasured friends that Jim prized throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Monica Kistler.
May the winds welcome you with softness. May the sun bless you with its warm hands. May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and sets you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth
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