James Anthony Kennedy

James Anthony Kennedy died suddenly in an accident, doing what he loved to do best, riding his motorcycle with his wife, on Saturday, May 9, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. Jim was the second son of the late Andrew James and Elizabeth (Deaso) Kennedy, born on January 13, 1945 in Bridgeport, Ct. He was a graduate of St. Ann’s School, class of 1958, and Bassick High School, class of 1963. He married his High School sweetheart, the former Donna Brown in 1965.

Prior to entering the USMC he worked at Avco-Lycoming in Stratford, Ct. He graduated 1st in his class at the Marine Corps Jet Mechanic School. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, keeping the Marine Corps A-6 Bombers flying, working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week at Chu Lai. Upon returning to civilian life he and his family moved to Phoenix, AZ where he worked for the phone company for 35 years. He married Noelene Rowan in 1998.

He is survived by his loving wife, Noelene of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Karin (Edward) Chittleborough of Surprise, AZ, grandchildren Michael Knight, Marissa Knight and Ryan Chittleborough, Step-daughter Shellie Bone of Phoenix, AZ, grandson Jimi Bone, Step-son Ryan (Karin) Ribeiro of Phoenix, AZ, and soon to be born granddaughter Zoey Jane Ribeiro, Brother Andrew (Claudia) Kennedy of Milford, CT, Jerald (Barbara) Kennedy of Peoria, AZ, sister Elizabeth (Michael) Reilly of West Hartford, CT, former wife Donna Brown Kennedy of Surprise, AZ , and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM at Shadow Mountain Mortuary Chapel, 2350 E. Greenway Rd, Phoenix. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM in the Chapel with a committal service at 12:30 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix. A reception to follow, at The Hideaway Grill 6746 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

Donations to Wounded Warrior Project in Jim's name would be appreciated.