JAMES KENNEDY

Born: April 28, 1953 Died: April 19, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Dion Kennedy on April 19, 2025, just shy of his 72nd birthday. At the time of his passing, Jim was surrounded by love, with his brothers, Paul and Brendan, and his daughter, Meagan, by his side.

Born in Fort William, Ontario, Jim attended Fort William Collegiate, where he met his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Kesmarky. Their love blossomed into marriage and the cherished arrival of their daughter, Meagan Kennedy.

Jim dedicated his career to Thunder Bay Hydro as a lineman, forming lifelong friendships with a lively and dedicated crew. Linemen are often called upon during the toughest conditions, when most people would avoid venturing outdoors. Jim and his team always rose to the challenge, ensuring Thunder Bay's lights stayed on a testament to their unwavering pride and commitment to the community.

Upon retiring, Jim found solace at his treasured cabin on Shebandowan Lake. Surrounded by family, friends, nature, and his beloved Jack Russell Terriers Salle, Sonny, and Pippi, whom he affectionately called his "babies" Jim spent countless joyful years creating cherished memories.

Retirement also gave Jim the opportunity to embrace his adventurous and enthusiastic spirit. True to his nature, whatever hobby Jim pursued, he went "all in." Among his varied interests were origami, sign collecting, backgammon, mahjong, photography, birdwatching, and yoga. His walks along Thunder Bay's waterfront and Centennial Park with his dogs brought him immense happiness, especially when his daughter and grandpup Fergus joined.

A spiritual man who once served as an altar boy, Jim remained deeply connected to his faith and was always eager for discussions on religion and politics, passionately sharing his beliefs with those around him. Jim was a man of very strong convictions. He was never swayed by groupthink, and while he would never be impolite enough to tell anyone they were wrong, he was always prepared to stay up all night or however long it took talking and convincing someone to come around to his point of view.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) Kennedy and Mona Kennedy, as well as his sister, Jeannie Faubert (Dale). He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Meagan Kennedy; his brothers, Paul (Cindy), Danny (Betty Olmstead), and Brendan Kennedy; and his many nieces and nephews Adriann, Shaun, Sarah, Michael, Kathleen, Carrie, and Shannon.

The family is immensely grateful for the outpouring of condolences from Jim's friends on Facebook and for the thoughtful visits during his final days. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Stewart Kennedy for his years of dedicated care; Dr. Del Paggio and the oncology team for giving the family cherished extra years with Jim; the ICU and 3B nursing staff for their exemplary patient- and family-centered care; and the outstanding palliative and spiritual care teams for their compassion, wisdom, and guidance through a challenging time.

A funeral service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on his birthday, April 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel, 21 Court St. N., Thunder Bay, ON. A luncheon will follow the service. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com

In honour of Jim's passion for politics, don't forget to exercise your right to vote that day, and in memory of his generous spirit, donations may be made to any charity close to your heart.

As we remember Jim, let us also celebrate the joy and laughter he brought to our lives. In his honour, let us toast:

"Here's to a long life and a merry one, A quick death and an easy one, A pretty girl and an honest one, A cold pint and another one!"
May we all embrace life as wholeheartedly as Jim did.