James “Jim” Kennedy, age 82, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on August 23, 1943, in New River, Tennessee, to Carlie and Francis (McGee) Kennedy. He grew up near his birthplace on a small family farm in the Great Smoky Mountains, whereas a young man he worked briefly above ground at a coal mine, as a lumberjack, and as a moonshine runner.
In 1963, seeking a better life, Jim moved north to northeastern Illinois and settled in Zion, where he raised a family. He cherished the time he spent with his brothers Charlie, who also lived nearby, as well as Billy and Henry, who remained in Tennessee. Jim was also proud of his days racing his Dodge Coronet R/T at Great Lakes Dragway and other tracks.
On July 4, 1991, he married his beloved wife Dorothy, with whom he remained lovingly married until his passing. For over 35 years, Jim served as Superintendent of Shipping and Receiving at Ocean Spray Cranberries in Kenosha, and in his retirement, he enjoyed working as an auto parts delivery driver.
Jim was a true outdoorsman who loved camping, fishing, and hunting. He and Dorothy traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe and cherished every opportunity to return to their respective homes in Oswiecim, Poland and Tennessee. Among their most treasured adventures was a transatlantic cruise with friends aboard the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton, England, to New York City, taken as a celebration of Jim’s 60th birthday.
Jim was extraordinarily handy. He was a self-taught expert in auto repair, home repair, and construction who generously shared his skills with family and friends alike. Over the years, he enjoyed owning his various cars, including his 1950 Ford, 1964 1/2 Mustang, 1973 Dodge Challenger, 1980 Trans Am, and many F-150s. Jim liked watching the Green Bay Packers, boxing, and, especially, NASCAR races.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Kennedy; his children, James Anthony Kennedy (Tina), Tim Lee Kennedy, Kimberly Villareal (Joe), Debby Baartz (Brian), and David Kennedy (Barbara Daczynka); many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sister, Mildred Kennedy; and his nieces and nephews, Brian Kennedy (Michelle), Kevin Kennedy (Renee), and Dana Criger (David), Carol; and his brother-in-law Richard Michalec.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Billy Kennedy, Charlie Kennedy, Henry Kennedy, and Marilyn Shipp.
As per Jim’s wishes, services will be held privately.
Jim will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.
