Jerns Heritage

In 1887 what is today known as Jerns Funeral Chapel got its start when local businessmen realized there was a need for someone to care for the dead and their grieving families. Around 1900 Harry O. Bingham took over management of the funeral parlor and in 1909 Mr. Bingham incorporated and changed the name to Bingham Funeral Home. In 1930, George Dahlquist joined the funeral home with John J. Jerns Sr. joining the firm in 1936 and subsequently changing the name to Bingham, Dahlquist and Jerns Funeral Home. In 1958 Nick Jerns joined the firm and in 1965 the name changed to Bingham Jerns Funeral Chapel. In 1978 Nick moved out from downtown Bellingham to a more centrally located location at 800 E. Sunset Drive.

This location is easily accessible to all amenities including Bellingham International Airport and the St. Joseph Hospital Main Campus. Nick Jerns then became owner of Bellingham Funeral Chapel and McKinney Funeral Chapel of Blaine, WA. Mr. Jerns changed the names to Jerns Funeral Chapel and Jerns McKinney Funeral Chapel. In 1988 a new funeral chapel was built in Blaine, WA, which still operates under the name of Jerns McKinney Funeral Chapel. In the 1990's Mr. Jerns sold the business to Lowen Group (Alderwoods), the second largest corporate funeral provider in the United States and Canada. In 2007, Alderwoods sold the business to SCI (Service Corporation International). On October 5, 2007 the business was once again sold. The new owner, Brad Bytnar has brought Jerns Funeral Chapels back to being Family Owned and Operated.

Our Funeral Chapel boasts some of the firsts in Bellingham, such as:

First air pollution free crematorium
First funeral chapel to sell cemetery markers
First funeral chapel to use refrigeration
First to offer two chapels in one location. One for large services and one for small services and a hospitality room with coffee service after a traditional or remembrance service for families and guests.
First to offer Green Burials (June 2008)
First Funeral Home in Whatcom County to install a Funeral/Mortuary Totem Pole to honor Native American Tribal Members and their heritage. Our Totem was carved by George Swanaset Jr. of the Nooksack Tribe.