James S. Ernest

Barb Mertiff, AKA- Mrs. Diamond, Mrs. Kellogg, Patty!!

My dear friend Jimmy, I will truly miss you. I am so very grateful to have had the honor of knowing you and caring for you. What a gem you were, you made me laugh and made me cry and at times made me want to pull my hair out. Definitely one of a kind. You always watched out for me and now who’s going to guard my med cart when I have to go to the bathroom? For your family, my deepest sympathies especially to your sister and Jackie,God bless her she’s an angel, such devotion.

 Dan Rohner

I fondly remember Mr. Ernest as our Band Director at Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa during the 1971 – 1972 school year. His adjustment from the discipline of the Marine Corps to corralling high school students was a challenge but he instilled in many of us the benefits of what can be accomplished by dedication and hard work. I still have a recording of his stunning solo at an All Catholic Music Festival that year. God Speed Mr. Ernest!