Jim KinKennon

Jim KinKennon, 71, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was deeply loved—known for his humor, steady presence, and the way he made people feel seen and cared for. Jim never missed a chance to share a quick-witted comment or a laugh, and he leaves behind memories that will continue to be shared with both smiles and tears.

Born and raised in Creston, Iowa, Jim graduated from Creston Senior High School in 1973, where he played varsity baseball. He earned an Associate’s Degree from SWCC, a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Northwest Missouri State University, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

In 1975, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Sue Blazek. Together, they built a life centered on love and family. Their daughter, Sara, and their son, Chad, were the pride of his life. Jim was a devoted father and an even prouder grandfather, always showing up for the people he loved most.

Jim spent 35 years as a math teacher in the Papillion-LaVista School District, primarily at Papillion Junior High. To generations of students, he was “Mr. K”—a teacher who made learning memorable, often with a well-timed tennis ball tossed across the classroom and a sense of humor they never forgot.

Jim and Sue made their home in Papillion before building their retirement home in Gretna, Nebraska. Their family grew to include Sara and her husband Travis Thomsen, along with their children Brayden and Brylee; and Chad and his wife Amy Krotter KinKennon, along with their sons William and Lane.

Jim found joy in life’s simple things—time with family, spoiling grandkids, and being together. He loved long-arm quilting and traveling to Amish quilt auctions, and he never passed up a great pork tenderloin from a small-town “Ma & Pa” restaurant. He was always ready for a game—Aggravation, Swoop, chess, or cards—and for over 20 years, he cherished attending at least one College World Series game each year with Chad and family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Regina KinKennon; his sister and brother-in-law, Sheri and Jerry Moffitt; his in-laws, Dale and Leota Blazek; and his nephew, Darcy Legge.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughter Sara and son-in-law Travis Thomsen, and their children Brayden and Brylee of Hastings, MN; his son Chad and daughter-in-law Amy KinKennon, and their sons William and Lane of O’Neill, NE; his brother-in-law Kevin and his wife Marcy Blazek, and their sons Kenneth and Joel of Greenfield, IA; his nephew Alan and Surie Legge, and their sons Caden and Jackson of Ralston, NE; along with extended family and many dear friends.

Jim was deeply cherished and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on April 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, 441 N. Washington St., Papillion, NE.

An additional visitation with family will be held on April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., also at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Papillion School District Scholarship Fund in the memory of Jim KinKennon to honor his legacy by supporting future educators. http://plcsfoundation.org