James Stuart “Jim” Kennedy, 79, was born May 22, 1939, in Richlands. On Oct. 17, 2018, Jim joined his Lord and Savior.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Stuart Kennedy; and mother, Lola Virginia Jessee. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Tammy Gambrell Kennedy; son, Jeremy Alexander Kennedy of Williamsburg; son, James S. Kennedy Jr. (Paula), and their adult children, Rachel and Stuart, of Abingdon, Maryland; sister, Virginia (Jenny) Kennedy Kimbel of Richlands; and countless extended family and friends.
Jim grew up in the coal mining camps of Jewel Ridge, near Richlands. Jim graduated from Richlands High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his nine years of service, Jim served in Alaska, Germany and in Vietnam for two tours. He received the following awards and decorations: Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Commendation Medal. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Jim worked as a civil servant at the Naval Weapons Station until he retired.
Jim spent more than 12 of his retirement years as a loved school bus driver with Williamsburg James City County Transportation. Jim was an active member of the Williamsburg Christian Church for over 30 years. Jim loved to spend time on the beach with his family and friends. In addition, you could always find him watching “his” teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Washington Redskins and Virginia Tech football.
A celebration of life will be held for Jim at the Williamsburg Christian Church, 200 John Tyler Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, with services to follow at 3 p.m.
Jim was very proud of his sister-in-law for donating a kidney to a close friend, changing her life. In lieu of flowers, we recommend a donation to Donate Life America.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
