John S. Kern, age 74, of Savannah, died on January 30, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his wife by his side after an extended illness.

John was born on February 26, 1951, in Morristown, New Jersey, to the late John W. Kern and Bernice I. Kern. He left New Jersey to attend Florida Institute of Technology and completed his civil engineering degree at The University of Delaware, where he was president of his fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha. He then attended the University of South Florida in Tampa for his graduate coursework in structural engineering. John started John S. Kern, P.E., P.C. engineering firm in 1976. Most recently called Kern & Co., LLC of which he was C.E.O. at the time of his death. John built a distinguished career as an engineer, earning a reputation for excellence. He was deeply admired by his peers and truly valued by those he led, leaving a lasting impact on both his profession and the Savannah community.

John was a long-time member of The Landings Club and past member of The Savannah Golf Club, Savannah Harbor and Rotary Club of Savannah as well as several professional organizations. John was an avid golfer and played numerous golf courses throughout the United States. His most memorable golf tournament was when he played with Johnny Miller. He loved the game of golf and the many friendships he had with his golfing partners. John was also a pilot and flew his own plane to many of his projects in the Southeast. John deeply valued the life he shared with his wife Sherry and the many lasting friendships and memories they created together.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, David and Daniel Kern. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sherry McCray Kern, his stepson Britt Thomas Georges (Michelle), brother Andrew Kern (Loren), granddaughter Amelia Michael Georges and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on March 5th at Fox and Weeks Hodgson Chapel, with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am. Following the service, a luncheon in celebration of John will be held at 12:30 pm at The Landings Palmetto Club. *Please RSVP by February 25th for luncheon attendance and gate access to office1@kernengineering.com or (912) 354-8400. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in John’s memory to American Diabetes Association.