James Joseph Kennedy's Obituary
It is with profound sadness to announce that James Joseph Kennedy passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023, in Ashburn, VA. Having been born on January 25, 1941, in Brockton, Massachusetts, James was the beloved son of the late Ambrose Kennedy and Mary Alice Murphy Kennedy.
He is survived by his most cherished loved ones: his devoted wife of 55 years, Patricia L. Kennedy, and his treasured sons, Sean Kennedy (Michelle), Kevin Kennedy (Jen) and Tim Kennedy (Elizabeth).
Jim graduated from Catholic University with a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering before going on to get his Law degree. With Law degree in-hand, they moved to Lancaster which is where he started and raised his family.
Jim began his career serving as a corporate attorney for Sperry New Holland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania before retiring as the General Counsel for Fiat North America in New York, New York. While in Lancaster, Jim served as board member for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts of America. Serving on boards in the Salt Pond, Potomac Greens and finally Ashby Ponds would continue throughout his life to help the communities where he lived.
Retirement brought him and Pat to Bethany Beach, Delaware. Jim and Pat loved to entertain and were always happy to host visitors. They found a great golf course community, made many new friends, and thoroughly enjoyed Southern Delaware living.
As their eight grandkids began to grow, Jim and Pat felt compelled to move closer to two of their sons and an airport to hop overseas to see their third. Jim could be found on the sidelines of numerous fields, ice rinks, and auditoriums as he cheered on his grandkids, doing his best to not miss an event.
Jim and Pat loved to travel around the globe, enjoying different cultures and cruising the seas.
Jim’s perpetually jovial demeanor, coupled with his sharp mind, made him a figure of reverence and love. His family roots were deep-seated, with his exceptional ability in uniting, enriching, and continually nurturing his family bonds. He was able to create deep friendships wherever he lived, and can count great friends from Lancaster, Bethany Beach, Ashburn and the U.K.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department or St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Divine Mercy Outreach (DMO) Fund.
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