James (Jim) William Kaler, age 91, of Milan, passed away on March 14 at NHC in Milan. He was born in Paducah, KY on November 6, 1930 to William (Bill) and Ruby Kaler. His father was remarried to Virginia (Jen) Thompson. They added 5 siblings to his family, Larry Kaler (Katie), Ron Kaler (Candy), Diane Kaler Baribeau (Bill), Sandy Kaler Watson (Roger), and Ken Kaler. Jim married Beatrice (Bea) Crocker. She preceded him in death in 2017. Married for 68 years, they were blessed with 4 children. Nita Kaler Taylor ( Ed ), Terry Kaler (preceded), Sharon Kaler Hooker, and Steve Kaler (Rhonda). He had six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. After graduation from Lone Oak High School, he went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1957, he and his family moved to Milan, TN, where he worked in the trucking industry. He also served as a lay pastor for youth and childrens ministries at Northside Baptist in Milan. In 1975, he was called into the ministry full time and began his service in Memphis as an associate pastor. He also served at churches in Union City and McKenzie, finishing his career back in Memphis. For 28 years, Jim served as a minister to children, to youth and then to senior adults at Christ Church in Bartlett. He retired in 2012 and moved back to Milan. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 AM at the Memphis Memory Gardens in Memphis, TN on Friday, March 18, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northside Baptist Church or to the American Kidney Fund. Bodkin Funeral Home 731-686-3111 Graveside Friday, March 18, 2022 11:00 AM Memphis Memory Gardens