Chief James Kearns

James Orval Kearns passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, 4 hours shy of his 96th birthday with his loving wife Jasmine by his side in Carmichael, California. Born November 25,1929 to Lindley Orval Kearns and Lena Mae Gulley in French Camp, California, he grew up in Diamond Springs, California.

He served 23 years in the United States Air Force, achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was serving in Japan when the Korean War broke out and was transferred to Korea. He later served in Vietnam and ultimately retired from McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento in 1971. Upon retirement he worked for Bechtel Power Corporation for almost twenty years, helping build 2 nuclear power plants in Korea.

Chief Kearns had an affinity for flying and was a licensed pilot and his own aircraft mechanic, rebuilding many engines over the course of his life. He always looked forward to attending the Reno Air Races. He had a strong desire to continue to support his fellow veterans. He worked for many years in the McClellan AFB Retiree Affairs Office and was on the executive committees for the local chapters of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Noncommissioned Officers Association.

He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Emi, who died in 2005. He is survived by his loving wife Jasmine, who tended to him day and night for several years as he navigated various medical conditions. He is also survived by his son Mark Kearns and his wife Rimma, daughter Betty (Kearns) Antonaros and her husband Mike, as well as four grandsons, Nikita Antonaros, James Antonaros, David Kearns, James Kearns, two great grandsons David Jr. and Taiyo, and a great granddaughter Janelle.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his name to the Noncommissioned Officers Association (NCOA), 9330 Corporate Drive, Suite 708, Selma, TX 78154 or the charity of your choice.