Kerkum, born in Rotterdam, played a total of 349 matches in Feyenoord's (Feijenoord in those days) first team from 1951 to 1965.

He stayed at the club until 1989, when Feyenoord suffered with financial problems and was succeeded by Jorien van den Herik.

In the time that Van den Herik was Feyenoord's chairman (1989–2006) Kerkum was no longer part of the team, but always stayed in contact with those who were.

After the growing pressure on Van den Herik in the media and by the fans in 2006 due to financial trouble and underachievements Feyenoord decided that the club's future had to be re-evaluated.

As Feyenoord was unable to find a new chairman right away Van den Herik was temporary replaced by Kerkum himself, until the end of the 2006–07 season.