James Kennedy

It is with great sorrow, relief and joy that Jim passed away Saturday, June 19th at his home leaving a legacy greater than life.  He was a man of great integrity and responsibility.  He took on a bride in 1968 along with her 3 small children and thru the years added another 3 babies to make a family of six.   His life was about work and family. He lifted others so they could find their dreams above his own.  He was always talking and teaching new things to everyone he found.  He attended Sacred Heart Schools and graduated from Breckenridge High in 1962.  He worked at General Motors in Saginaw Michigan and Arlington Texas for 33 years.  In his retirement he volunteered at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, in Dallas.  He had a love of flying and joined the navy only to see the depths of the ocean on a submarine for 8 years. He proudly served on the USS Medregal, USS Von Steuben, & USS Gato.  His generosity and laugh were larger than life.  He touched so many with his jokes, unfailing selflessness and love.   To know him was to love him.  Rest easy, you left this world better than you found it!

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean, his six children, Connie North, Marty (Terry) North, Sherri (Craig) Jacobs, Hugh (Shannon) Kennedy, Tonia (Gary) Kilcoin, and Tasha (Juan) Alcarez .  He was a grandpa, legend and hero to 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, leaving them with lasting memories and life lessons.  He is survived by 6 sisters, Fran Kuelske, Irene Kennedy Karen Kennedy, Elaine Kennedy, Jenny (Richard) Moore & Marilyn Lair and 3 brothers, Pat (Darlene) Kennedy, Don (Angie) Kennedy & Joe (Lisa) Kennedy.  A sister-n-law Jean Kennedy and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Everett & Sarah (Ryan) Kennedy, Hugh & Jennie (Peeples) Stanley. Four brothers Raymond Kennedy, Leo Kennedy, John Kuelske and David Lair

The family would like to thank Dr. Ankit Kansagra and his medical team at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas for their care compassion and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UT Southwestern Medical Center for Dr. Ankit Kansagra’s cancer research.

Please mail checks to: P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, Texas 75391-0888.

Or, gifts may be made online at engage.utsouthwestern.edu