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James Kennedy Obituary
Mauldin
Evangelist James Walter Kennedy, 88, of 104 Wellington Drive, Mauldin, died peacefully on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late James Vernon Kennedy and Inez Hill Kennedy.
He served as the esteemed minister of the Nicholtown and I-85 Church of Christ in Greenville for 60 years. He was a pioneer in the Churches of Christ, helping to establish the Southeastern Regional Lectureship and serving as its Chairman for many years. He was a role model, mentor, and an inspiration for many young ministers. Through the years, he has received proclamations and special recognition by local and national officials. In 1969, as a young minister, he spent two months doing missionary work in Sierra Leone, Africa along with a companion minister. He said that the people of Sierra Leone were "profoundly impressed to see black people preaching the gospel and answering questions since at the time, most missionaries to Africa were white. He added, "We felt like diplomats because of the way people treated us." He noted that he was especially well treated because of his name "Kennedy" - a name revered there because of the late President John F. Kennedy. Additionally, Kennedy was himself impressed by what he saw in Africa - Africans flying planes, running banks and other businesses, etc. - all of which instilled in him tremendous racial pride.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Almeta Robinson Kennedy; two daughters, Frankie Kennedy of Mauldin, and Deborah Kennedy Kennard of Brussels, Belgium and Washington, D.C., and son-in-law, U.S. Ambassador William E. Kennard of Brussels and Washington, D.C.; two grandchildren, Ameka J. Burton and Robert James Kennedy Kennard; three great-grandchildren, Brookelyn, Autumn and James Mekai; a special cousin, Brunson Roberts of Greenville; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Vernoy Kennedy, who served as a Greenville County Magistrate and U.S. Deputy Marshall for South Carolina.
Funeral Service: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at I-85 Church of Christ with burial in Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends, Friday, 7-8 p.m. at Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to the James W. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation, 1201 15th Street, N.W. Suite 420; Washington, DC 20005. The fund has been established to assist promising students pursuing education at Christian colleges.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kennedy
Alfred Anderson
August 28, 2025
The KENNEDY family showed me hospitality as a 17 yr old from Kansas City as a book salesman in 1974. I attended worship and was shocked to see the grand edifice on I-85.
I STILL REMEMBER HIS LESSON (WHAT IS A LIE?).
Dr Sylvia Jordan
February 3, 2022
I remember Bro. Kennedy coming to Madison, GA and preaching our gospel meeting. We were little girls at the time, but his messages resonated with us. My brother Kenny says "We knew and feared death and hell fire at a young age because of our summer gospel meeting." We are thankful for him and his work for the Lord.
The Pinson Family
February 11, 2013
May God bless and keep you all strong and very close to him and one another during this time of sorrow!
Linda Byrd
February 2, 2013
Sis. Kennedy, Frankie, Deborah and family, May you be comforted by the very word that Bro. Kennedy so boldly taught. He was a blessing to so many. I am so thankful he blessed my family. He always greeted us with a large smile, firm handshake and hug. Prayers are being lifted for your family. Love, Linda Byrd
February 2, 2013
May our Lord and High Priest comfort the Kennedy family at this time of bereavement. We know he prepared to meet God and may this knowledge give you peace! Ingram & Jordan Families - Madison GA
Rudy Burdett
February 2, 2013
To the Kennedy family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Burdett Family. Laurens Church of Christ
Bro. Sis. Roosevelt Wells
February 2, 2013
To the Kennedy family...
May the God who cares and comforts bring solace to the family.
February 2, 2013
TO THE KENNEDY' FAMILY, MAY THE GRACE KEEP SHINNING ON YOU ALL. THE LAWSON OF LONG CREEK COC.
Tobe & Geneva Sizemore, Jr.
February 2, 2013
Dear Almeta and family: Our hearts are saddened to hear of Minister Kennedy's passing. Our prayers are with you during this sad time in your lives, and may the Blessed peace of the sweet Holy Spirit surround you now and always.
The Tobe Sizemore Family
Minnie Peek
February 2, 2013
To the Kennedy family you are in my prayers.Bro.Kennedy was an inspiration to me and many others in Madison,Georgia.
February 2, 2013
To The Kennedy Family.
We rejoice and celebrate in a life of service well-lived by Bro. Kennedy! We are thankful for his committed and dedicated service in being God's servant. May God's spirit of peace be with you and Bro. Kennedy's spirit remain alive in you as we all prepare to see him again on the other side.
The Warrior Family
Simpson St. Church of Christ
Atlanta, Georgia
Olivia Shedrick
February 2, 2013
To the Kennedy family
You are in my prayers and may God continue to bless and comfort you.
February 2, 2013
To the Kennedy Family.
We thank God for a life of service well-lived by Bro. Kennedy! May God's magnificent spirit comfort you during this temporary separation from Bro. Kennedy. As Bro. Kennedy's spirit remains alive in you today, we are certain your paths will reunite again on the other side.
The Warrior Family
Simpson St. Church of Christ
Atlanta, Georgia
Felicia Danielle
February 2, 2013
Bro. Kennedy was truly an inspirational & a man of God that will truly be missed. My sister made me think back to when he would tell us to get two pieces of candy but then allowed us to get more. He was a wonderful man & leader to us all. We love you all & will be praying for you.
The Rev Sunny Hallanan
February 2, 2013
Sending prayers for Deborah and the whole family, from All Saints' Church, Waterloo, Belgium. Your father continues to live in you and all the many, many lives he blessed with his faith and love.
February 1, 2013
Sister Kennedy, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Brother Kennedy was a beloved minister and friend. Dorothy C. Rivers Abbeville Church of Christ, Abbeville, South Carolina
willie Doughty
February 1, 2013
To the Kennedy family may the God of heaven comfort you
Wesley J. Ball
February 1, 2013
To the Kennedy Family:
We were truly sorrow to hear of the death of Bro. Kennedy. He was truly inspiring and did so much for others. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the Kennedy family and
and Church family.
Wesley J. Ball
Liberty City Church of Christ
Family, Savannah, Georgia
February 1, 2013
We are very sad for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Eloise Rutledge, Willie Mae Rutledge, and Brenda Harris.
Wesley and Peggy Crisp
February 1, 2013
We always had admiration for Bro. Kennedy enjoyed hearing him speak when we were younger Great Man in the kingdom
February 1, 2013
Etymon c
Sis. H. Kearns
February 1, 2013
I will aways hold in my heart the faith, enduring wisdom, knowledge, and strength taught from the most spiritual and noble teacher. My love and sympathy to the Kennedy family.
February 1, 2013
Sister Kennnedy, Frankie & Deborah,
I am thinking of you and your families at this sad time. My heart is breaking too...
Brother Kennedy will never be forgotten....
Love you guys!
Brenda (Harris) Caruthers
David Penn
February 1, 2013
In remembrance of the late James W. Kennedy, a consummate professional and Minister of the gospel. May the Lord continue to bless your family at this time.
Claude Byrd
February 1, 2013
May the God of Heaven bless and comfort the Kennedy family.
February 1, 2013
On behalf of the Garden City Church of Christ family, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Sis. Kennedy and her family. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude the church has for the Kennedy family.
Yours for the Master,
Qullie Brooker, Jr., Minister
Garden City Church of Christ
February 1, 2013
May God bless and keep the Kennedy and I-85 Church Family during this time of Bereavement.
Bro. Willie R. Wearing, Sr and Family
Florence Church of Christ
Bro. Kendric & Faith Arthur and Family
Garden City Church of Christ
Linda Wigfall
February 1, 2013
To The Kennedy and The I-85 COC families,
Our prayers go out to you during this diffcult time. Bro. Kennedy was a great man of God, and will be greatly missed. May God continue to bless you through.
The Wigfall Family
Pierre&Marilyn Gray
January 31, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorry.
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