James Kennedy Jr.

JAMES M. KENNEDY JR.

Clinton

James M. Kennedy Jr., 86, formerly of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 14, 2021, at the Solon Care Center. A visitation will be held at noon Thursday, May 20, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at the Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for James Kennedy, under the video tab, starting at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Following the continued proclamations issued by the governor, physical distancing must be practiced, which may require a limited number of people allowed into a visitation at one time and limited seating available at services. The use of facial coverings is strongly encouraged.

Jim, the son of James and Margaret (Holdgrafer) Kennedy Sr., was born Sept. 24, 1934, in Clinton, Iowa. He graduated in three years from two honorary fraternities at the University of Iowa with an electrical engineering degree. On Aug. 4, 1956, Jim and Suzanne were united in marriage in Clinton, Iowa.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy and worked for Collins Radio/Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 35 years. He loved woodworking, baking and his morning walks. Jim volunteered countless hours at the YWCA and Habitat for Humanity of Clinton. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Chris (Lisa) Kennedy of Marion, Iowa, and Casey (Joe) Gale of Coralville, Iowa; grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Kennedy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kyle Kennedy of Muscatine, Iowa, Delaney (Phil) Keitel, Bailey Gale, Willey Gale and, Josey Gale; great-grandchildren, Henry Keitel, and Seeley Keitel; and his brother, Duane Kennedy of Texas.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Suzanne Kennedy; sisters, Joan Shanahan and Carol Carlson; and brothers, Edward (Kenny) and William Kennedy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.