Jimmy Lee Kennard

Jimmy Lee Kennard, 64, passed away at his home Wednesday December 16, 2015. He was born and raised in Yakima, Washington where he graduated from A.C. Davis High School in 1969 and married Sharon Lee (Stewart) Kennard in 1970. Together they raised four boys and an adopted daughter.

As a young man he enjoyed hunting and spending time in the surrounding mountains. At an early age Jim made a lifelong commitment to the fire service. His career began as volunteer firefighter with the Fruitvale Fire Department. Jim would work multiple jobs to support his family while giving every free minute he had to the fire department. He worked his way through the officer ranks until finally reaching position of Chief. Jim was not only a father to his family, but a mentor and leader to many young men and women volunteer firefighters. When the Fruitvale Fire Dept. was annexed Jim used his years of experience to transition to being a dispatcher for the City of Yakima Fire Department where he would retire. His passion and years of dedication for the fire service were second to none.

Jim was always willing to help others out, if it was helping his sons work on their homes or race cars, or a friend in need Jim would always be there. Jim’s life was truly dedicated to serving others.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Sharon Kennard; parents, Georgia and Paul Kennard. He is survived by his sons Rob (Darcy), Tim (Rebecca), Nick (Jacci), and Ryan (Bellanca), daughter Kristi (Riley), and grandchildren Victoria, Efrain, Callie, Madilyn, Thomas and brothers John and Jerry Kennard.

Revised service date: A service for Jim will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 11:00 am at Langevin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Washington State Firefighters Association, PMB 117, 1910 E. 4th Ave., Olympia, WA 98506-4632.

To share a memory of Jim, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.