James Ira Kennedy, Sr.

James Ira Kennedy, Sr. passed away at his home surrounded by family on July 17, 2024, at the age of 79.

Services were held at Pine Grove Church in Edinburg on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Visitation was at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 20, 2024, until service time. Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jamey Kennedy, Taylor Parker, Chad King, Josh Ginn, John Cingolani, and Robert Rice.

He was born on July 26, 1944, in Greenville, MS to the now deceased Gordon Edward Kennedy, Sr and Velma Rogers Kennedy.

James graduated from Greenville High in 1963. He continued his education at Delta State where he graduated in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He retired in 2000 after serving 25 years in the MSARNG where he received numerous medals and awards, including the rarely received Expert Infantry Badge. He retired again from MDOT in 2006.

He married the love of his life on December 20, 1964. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Jamey and grandson, Taylor.

James is survived by his loving wife of 59 1/2 years, Kay Moore Kennedy; daughter, Joell Stafford; son, James Ira Kennedy, Jr. (Jacki); three grandchildren, Jordan King (Chad), Taylor Parker (Amanda), and Morgan Ginn (Josh); ten great-grandchildren, Charley King, Kennedy "Jake" King, Ellie Mae King, Bailey Parker, Adalyn Parker, Emmie Trippe, Aiden Parker, Ezra Ginn, Eli Ginn, and Micah Ginn; two  special nieces, Vicki Cingolani (John) and Mitzi Rice (Robert); one brother, Gordon Edward Kennedy, Jr. (Emily); two nephews and one niece.