James Robert "Jim" Kennedy

1948 - 2021

XENIA — James Robert "Jim" Kennedy, 73, of Xenia, passed away on April 4, 2021. He was born February 1, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Gertrude (Chambliss) and Jack R. Kennedy. Jim loved supporting Xenia through a lifetime of business and service in the community. He owned and operated Kennedy's Grocery Store established in 1917 and Kennedy's Garden Center; rebuilding both following the 1974 tornado. Jim opened Kennedy's Bible Bookstore to continue feeding the community, redeveloped and continued operating (with his family) Kennedy Korners Shopping Center. Jim was President and CEO of Community Lanes, Inc. for 15 years. He served his community as first president of Xenia Economic Growth Corporation, past President and Board Member of Xenia Area Christian Men's Fellowship and host of Xenia's Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Board Chairman for The Cleft Student Center, Past President and active member of Xenia Rotary, Paul Harris Fellow award recipient from Rotary International, Past Board Member of Greene County Community Foundation (Greene Giving), 2011 recipient of the F.M. Torrence Award from the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce for 45+ years of voluntary service to the Xenia Community, YMCA member and supporter, lifelong swimmer and supporter of Pinecrest, Executive Chairman Xenia Area Ralph Bell Crusade, Certified Methodist Lay Speaker, former member at Spring Valley United Methodist Church serving as Treasurer, Sunday school teacher and youth leader, past board member Xenia Young Life, member of Faith Community United Methodist Church in Xenia serving as Sunday school teacher both as a teen and adult, chair of stewardship committee, and member of the administration board. From 1972 until 2020 he never missed a Christmas ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. He is survived by his wife, Carol (VanHook) Kennedy, two sons, Jeff (Wendy) Kennedy, Houston, TX, and Joe (Kim) Kennedy, Xenia, a step-daughter, Shelly Eicher Kingsolver, Xenia, nine grandchildren, and by many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister, Jane Kennedy. Jim fought the hardest fight and ultimately won the battle when he went home with his friend and Lord Jesus Christ. Jim and the entire Kennedy family appreciate and give thanks for the thoughts and prayers received. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-8pm at Faith Community United Methodist Church, Xenia. Services will be held Friday at 10am at Faith Community United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the organizations supported by Jim or the charity of your choice in his memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.