James M Kerns, Jr., DMD

James (Jimmy) M. Kerns Jr. DMD, 42 years old, of Hollywood, Florida passed away August 24, 2019 after a three-year battle with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.
Jimmy was born November 19th, 1976 at 7:08 PM. Three minutes prior to his identical twin brother. He grew up in Hollywood, FL and attended Elementary and Middle School at Nativity Catholic School where unbeknownst to Jimmy at the time he would meet and be classmates with his future wife, Tammy Kerns. He continued his education at Nova High School where he played volleyball, baseball and used his artistic talents to not only assist with art in the school yearbook, but to start a small t-shirt making business with friends named, Jackit Streetwear. Jimmy loved high school and all the lifelong friends he made there. Upon graduating Nova Jimmy was accepted to Florida State University where he did most of his undergraduate studies and became a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Yet with his tremendous love for the Seminoles it is humorous that many do not know his Bachelor of Animal Science Degree is actually from the University of Florida. Jimmy transferred there, for his final credits, in an attempt to bolster his chances to get into the UF Veterinary School. He wanted to learn to work with animals that he loved so much. After multiple hours volunteering at animal clinics, he realized that his severe allergies would put the brakes on that dream. He was advised by a friend and mentor to look into the field of dentistry. Unsure of what he might find, he followed the advice and fell in love immediately. After some short shadowing of a couple dentists, Jimmy, pushed hard and fast to apply and be admitted to Nova Southeastern Dental School. He excelled immediately and said that it was medicine mixed with art. He often said as a dentist he knew more about the body than other physicians knew about the teeth! After graduating from Nova, Jimmy, spent almost two years in a large dental group and requested to work with one of the owners so he could “learn the business in and out, on their dime.” In 2006 he purchased his 1st practice in Plantation, FL which continues to thrive along with the 4 other practices all combined under the moniker of Smile Design Dental. Through the building of these practices, with his partners, he was able to fulfill his dream of helping people. Not only the patients but all of staff and associates whom continually boast about all that they have learned and accomplished because of the time they spent with him. Although unable to practice what he loved, due to his disease progression, he often visited the practices. The reaction of the staff upon seeing him left no doubt that he continued to inspire their vision statement:
“Our Vision is to be the premier oral health care company in our community, improving the lives of our patients and our team.”
He will be greatly missed but his legacy and this vision will live on through his partners in the name of Smile Design Dental.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Tammy; twins James and Angelina; parents James Sr. and Linda; grandmother Anna Reina; identical twin brother Anthony and his wife Christina; nephews Anthony Jr. and Robert.
Visitation Friday, August 30th, 6-9PM with a prayer service at 7PM at Landmark Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass Saturday, August 31st, at 10AM at Nativity Catholic Church, 5200 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL
In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations to be sent to The Lustgarten Foundation: https://www.lustgarten.org/donate/