James Wesley Kennedy

James Wesley Kennedy, dedicated family man, and well-loved teacher and youth sports coach.

Visitation will be held Monday evening, May 15, from 6-8pm at the Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home. The service will be at 10am in the Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, May 16, with interment afterward in the Garden of Roses.

“Jim” Kennedy, also known to so many as simply “Coach”, was born on April 30, 1931 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. He grew up in Knoxville, and moved to Seagoville, Texas as a high schooler. There he met his life-long sweetheart, Monita Swaim Kennedy, who preceded him in death in May of 2000. He is survived by their four children, JoAnna Kennedy Henry, Jill Kennedy Hall, James Lew Kennedy, and John Alan Kennedy. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 future great-grandchildren, expected in June.

After leaving the Yankees baseball organization, into which he was drafted out of high school, Coach Kennedy graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Education. His career spanned 30+ years as the P.E. teacher at Bradfield Elementary in Highland Park. In addition, he oversaw day camp and sports activities with the YMCA and coached successful youth baseball teams with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. As a coach, he trained many fledgling athletes and mentored many new coaches in sports varying from track to football, and especially, to baseball. His influence is still felt within the ranks of Major League Baseball today.

He was a fisherman and hunter, and often took his family camping. “Uncle Bud,” as he was known among his extended family, knew the value of competition in a fun setting. He would organize games ranging from relay races to balloon battles to “pepper” lines. He and Monita both played competitive softball and spirited games of “42”. In addition, this loving father, uncle, and grandparent loved music – he sang in a sweet tenor voice – and wrote poetry for special occasions. Never without a joke, he also never met a stranger; for all who met him became instant friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Kennedy family.