James A. Kennedy

Died peacefully in the arms of Lucy, his wife of 56 years, on February 19, 2017. He was a man of integrity and kindness, spreading joy and love easily throughout his life. With his outgoing, happy, social ease, his acceptance of all as equals and his ready smile, he made many friends. But his family was first in his heart. He was a great and loving husband, an excellent, loving father to his children and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren. Jim had a long and successful career in the commercial sales field. As a young man he worked at Brissman-Kennedy, the firm founded and owned by his father, that later became Am San, retiring after 51 very successful years. Throughout his life Jim loved sports and music. He coached little league baseball, enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and taking long bike rides. Music was a constant and enjoyable part of his life. He had an unusual combination of an Irish tenor and baritone range, and spent years as a soloist at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Paul, and then later joined the Guardian Angels Men’s Club chorus. He enjoyed classical music as well as Frank Sinatra. In his late years he would sing out often, enjoying every minute. Jim is survived by wife, Lucy; children, Kathy (Will) Preska, Kerrie Kennedy, and Dan (Laura) Kennedy; Grandchildren, KC Preska, Ryan Preska, Alexandra Mudd, Connor Mudd, Joe Kennedy and Sam Kennedy. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, February 27, 2017 at 10am, with Visitation from 8:30 to 10am, all at Guardian Angels Catholic Church.