James “Jim” Buchanan Kennedy, 79, affectionately known as “Doc” and” Gran” went to be with his Lord and Savior at his home surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Noon at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road. Burial will be private in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Chris Minton officiating. The family will greet friends on Monday, May 30, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road and prior to the service on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons International, Bibb West Crawford Camp, P.O. Box 28665, Macon GA 31221-8556.
Jim was born in Macon, Georgia to the late Julian Paul and Miriam Smith Kennedy. Jim grew up on Columbus Road where he developed and maintained very special lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Kennedy Walker. In 1958 Jim met the love of his life, Sandra Lee Brown on a blind date while enjoying a hay ride at Ebenezer Methodist. Jim and Sandra dated throughout high school and enjoyed many sorority and fraternity formals. They married in January 1963 and embarked on a wonderful life together.
He was a graduate of Lanier High School Class of 1961 and was a member of the ROTC and Chi Delta Fraternity. Jim graduated from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy class of 1966.
Upon graduation he headed to Elberton, Georgia he was hired as an intern and later as the Pharmacist, by Robert E. Lee of Elbert Drug Company. After three years his dad was ready to slow it down and he headed home to Macon to work with his father at Kennedy Drugs inside Burden Smith Department Store. He later bought the business from his father and moved to an independent location. Kennedy Drugs grew to be Macon’s oldest family owned Pharmacy standing seventy-seven years and the last drugstore in downtown Macon.
He was a former member of Tattnall Square Baptist Church on the Mercer Campus where he was baptized and ordained as the youngest Deacon. While there he was also Director of Youth Ministries. In 1974, he had his brother-in-law Wesley Walker build a home for his family in Lizella. They joined Lizella Baptist Church where he served faithfully for over 40 years. He loved the men’s Sunday School Class that he taught for over 30 years until his health declined. He was past president of the Men’s Brotherhood, Training Union Superintendent, sang in the choir and was very instrumental in Prison Ministry. He was a devoted Gideon for forty years serving as past president of the Macon West Camp. Jim’s greatest passion in life was for everyone to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and accept him as their personal Savior. He did not have to say much as he lived his life in a way that spoke volumes of Christ who lived in him. He was the greatest prayer warrior.
Jim was a member of New Town Macon and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a huge advocate for retaining business in downtown Macon and greatly enjoyed serving it’s clientele.
Jim was a fisher of men and a great humanitarian. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, fresh water fishing and water skiing. He was an avid weight lifter and participated in church softball. He loved working in the yard and he felt closest to God when he was in nature. Jim spent his spare time watching UGA football and NASCAR. He greatly enjoyed family gatherings most especially reunions and Thanksgiving. He felt like a great meal shared was a party waiting to happen. Jim enjoyed good music, his favorite artist were Elvis, Jim Croce, and his very favorite Neil Diamond. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Sandra Lee Kennedy of Macon, daughters, Lee Anne (Jeff) Cowart of Thomson, Susan (Henry) Davis of Bolingbroke, Lori North of Kennesaw, grandchildren, Jim (Jenna) Cowart, Kennedy (London) Cowart, Buchanan Cowart, Hunter Cowart, Elizabeth (Brian) Allen, Austin Oliver, Julian North, Olivia North, great grandchildren, Ferrin, Jeff Waites, Marilyn James, Mary Hunter, Beckham, Blakeley, Fisher, Palmer, and Emmie Cate and many nieces and nephews.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.
