Search by Name

Search by Name

Dr. James Raymond Kennedy

Dr.  James Raymond Kennedy obituary, La Porte, IN

FUNERAL HOME

Ott/ Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Inc.

418 Washington Street

Michigan City, Indiana

James Kennedy Obituary

Kennedy M.D., James Raymond Father of 11, accomplished surgeon and community servant, passed away in his home from complications of Parkinson's disease. Born January 25, 1936 in Joliet, Illinois, Dr. Kennedy resided and practiced medicine in Kankakee, Illinois for 20 years, and has lived the last 27 years in Michigan City, Indiana. In recent years, he enjoyed reading the Chicago Tribune's "Today in History" and the obituaries. What piqued his interest was hearing about the many activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Dr. Kennedy's life could best be characterized by his medical career, his service to his community, and the accolades he received throughout his life. The son of Martin Hayes Kennedy and Mary Louise (Lennon) Kennedy, he is survived by his spouse of 53 years, Betsy (Finneran) Kennedy as well as a brother and sister, Martin Hayes Kennedy and Helen Ryan. His siblings, Mary Frances Kennedy and Daniel L. Kennedy, preceded him in death. Dr. Kennedy is also survived by his 11 children and 28 grandchildren, James, Jr. (Mara), of Charlottesville, VA, John F., of Chicago, IL, Mary (Mark) McCullagh, of Charlotte, NC, Kathleen Kennedy (Marty Whalen), of La Porte, IN, Liz (Craig) Miller, of Colorado Springs, CO, Molly (Anton) Peddinghaus, of Kankakee, IL, Michael (Colleen), of La Porte, IN, David (Megan), of Chicago, IL, Sarah Kennedy (Patrick Bennett), of Chicago, IL, Patrick, of La Porte, IN, and Timothy (Amy), of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Conor and Mack Kennedy, Hayes, Nora and Erin McCullagh, Will, Rowan, Fiona and Martin Whalen, Mitchell, Libby and Anna Miller; Henry, Annika, Caroline and Johannes Peddinghaus, Lily, Joe and Patrick Kennedy, Colin, Brigid and Sally Kennedy, Sofia Torres-Kennedy, Andrew and Imogene Bennett, Clare, Maeve and Declan Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, the University of Notre Dame in 1957 and Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in 1960. He served his internship and surgical residency at Cook County Hospital. This residency was interrupted to serve as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. A 20-year career as an accomplished surgeon was ended prematurely in 1988 with the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Kennedy's post-surgical career presented opportunities for teaching, continuing his own learning and imparting knowledge to many. He lived the Jesuit motto "ad majorem Dei gloriam" for the greater glory of God. It came as no surprise that, honoring his Jesuit training, Dr. Kennedy returned to Loyola as he discovered a new career as an educator. From 1989 2005, he served Loyola as assistant professor of surgery and retired as assistant professor of surgery emeritus. He also served as chairman of the Stritch School of Medicine Admissions Committee. Dr. Kennedy's years at Loyola were marked by two invitations to be the baccalaureate speaker, as well as numerous awards including: Teacher of the Year Award, the Golden Apple Award, and the Dr. Juan Angelats Service Award. Kennedy's career culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Stritch School Medal of Honor in 2000. Throughout his career Dr. Kennedy held numerous appointments including: Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery 1968 and recertification in 1980, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the Chicago Surgical Society (vice-president), Illinois Surgical Society (president), chief of staff and chief of surgery, Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee; and chief of surgery, board of directors and medical director, St Mary's Hospital, Kankakee. The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore captured Kennedy's life philosophy, "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy." Acting on his desire to provide services to those who were underserved, Kennedy was a founder and board member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Adult Education Center, co-founder and volunteer of the Northside Well Baby Clinic and the Doctor's Outpatient Clinic all in Kankakee. Kennedy also started the Pembroke Clinic in Hopkins Park, IL and provided immunizations to the migrant workers in Milford, IL. Committed to quality education and his community, Dr. Kennedy served the boards of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in Kankakee, La Lumiere School in La Porte, IN, the YMCA and St. Teresa School in Kankakee. In "retirement," he and Betsy continued their commitment to service, enjoying volunteer work at St. Jude Hospital in St. Lucia, West Indies, teaching and supervising medical residents and students for a decade. In 1993, Dr. Kennedy received the Humanitarian Award from St. Mary's Hospital, Kankakee. In 2005, he and Betsy received the Rev. Louis J. Putz, CSC, Senior Service Award, from the University of Notre Dame. Continuing his commitment to medical research, Dr. Kennedy donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. In lieu of a wake, the family will host a reception from 5:00p.m-8:00p.m on Monday, July 15 at the Long Beach Country Club, Long Beach, IN. A celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 16 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Michigan City. A memorial service will be held in Kankakee at a later summer date. Arrangements are made by Ott-Haverstock Funeral Home (219-872-7291), Michigan City. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in Kankakee, La Lumiere School in La Porte or the Samaritan Center in Michigan City.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kennedy

Not sure what to say?





Anne Henry Meeks

January 16, 2014

my heart goes out to all my Kennedy family and to you Betsy, Jim was one of my "Dad"'s growing up and I truly loved him and all of y'all, you are in my thoughts and prayers and in my heart, love, anne henry meeks

Sharon Anderson

September 13, 2013

I wish to express my condolences to the Kennedy family on the passing of Dr. Kennedy. I used to listen to him on TBN on Sunday afternoons.

Roy&Hazel White

July 29, 2013

Betsy&Family,
Hazel and I extend our sympathy upon the death of
Dr Jim.We enjoyed our time with both of you at St. Jude.I had great admiration for Dr. Jim and his work at St. Jude.The employees loved him and looked forward to his coming every year.His care and concern
for all patients was outstanding.

Take care and God bless,

Roy&Hazel White

Colleen O'Toole

July 26, 2013

Dear Betsy, We just learned today of Dr. Kennedy's passing. We are very saddened by it. He was a very special soul. Thinking of you today and keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Colleen (Peach) Ryan O'Toole, Tom O'Toole, and Ryan O'Toole (Jim and Joyce Ryan's daughter)

July 17, 2013

Jim was a great friend and classmate both at Notre Dame and Stritch Medical School. No surprise that his career was so remarkable. His warmth and talents will be sorely missed.
Joe O'Connor, M.D.

July 15, 2013

Dear Betsy and family,
How saddened we were to hear about Jim.He was an inspiration to so many, and especially in the later years when he forged on(with your loving help)despite the many setbacks he experienced with his condition.
We have so many fond memories of him-many at Cook County, but also as a quick witted, knowledgeable conversationalist with his friends.He will be sorely missed by many but I know he is in the arms of God now and will always be remembered as a great Physician,teacher, humanitarian and human being.
We are unable to make it for the wake and service, but will see you at the Memorial service in Kankakee.

Love, Ken and Jenny Printen

Cathi McNamara

July 15, 2013

My deepest condolences to the entire Kennedy family.

Colleen Mansfield

July 15, 2013

To Dave, Tim, Mary and all of the Kennedys. I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I now know where your family's call to service originated. I hope to see many of you at the Swim Across America event on Saturday.

Colleen

Brenda Eagan

July 15, 2013

Dear Betsy and the Kennedy clan,
"angels guard thee"
Dr. Kennedy is resting easy now missing you but loving life again. You are in my heart and prayers. Sis. B.

Charly Ryan

July 15, 2013

THE DOCTOR IS OUT!
What sadness and grieving there is...
grandchildren, his clan, his tribe.
All weep at once, smile, rejoice,
laugh embracing gladness, dancing
in the knowledge of where he has gone.
Aware in their faith belief that
he too dances now.
Now,for us who are here for awhile,
yes...
The Doctor is out.

He walks now...runs and jumps...
skips with his ancestors, friends,
the rest of the tribe, more of the clan.
Joined at once with angels and saints,
all those who have preceded
loving him- lighting the welcoming way.
His brother healers who have preceded him,
other dear and glorious physicians,
Paul of Tarcis, and finally
The Greatest Healer of All...
They sing, shout, and give praise
to a life well led.
WELCOME HOME JIM!
THE DOCTOR IS IN!

Rosemary Calcagno

July 15, 2013

Dear Kennedy Family,
It was an honor and privilege to know and work with Dr. Kennedy. He was a man with a great sense of humor, compassion and knowlege. His love for his family and his work was incredible. He will forever be remembered and truly missed by all.

Tami Kacmar

July 15, 2013

Thinking of you all and especially PK, Molly, and Kathleen - The Kacmar Family

Helen Schuster Burnes

July 14, 2013

Dear Betsy and family. We were saddened to learn of Jim's death. We remember the fun we used to have in your back yard in Kankakee. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Helen, Mary Ann and Don (Schuster) and families.

July 14, 2013

The Kennedys, I remember Jim- my best friend for so many years. I remember Jim when he was just 'Jim'. I was so proud to know him as he became husband, father and doctor. Thanks, Jim, for being you. Thanks, Betsy and Family for sharing him. All our love to you this day and as much as we can send every other day. That never ends. Stan and Mary

July 14, 2013

Dear Betsy and family,we just heard that Jim passed away. John thought the world of Jim and had such great admiration for him. A life well lived is an understatement.

Unfortunately we won't be able to attend the wake or the funeral mass as John isn't able to travel but be assured of our thoughts and prayers

Wesi and John Cusack

Joanne Ball Moynihan

July 14, 2013

Dear Betsy & Family,

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

July 13, 2013

Dear Betsy and Family,

Gerry just called to let me know about Jim. Please know that you are on our hearts and in our prayers.

What a marvelous man and what a magnificent legacy!!

Love and deepest sympathy,
Anne (Sheehan) and Bob Cullen.

Jim Eggers MD

July 13, 2013

Betsy and all your family,
"all others came first." That was Jim's life. Whether it was his family, his patients, his college or med school classmates, his ongoing affiliation with Strich and St. Lucia -- "All others came first."
His love of family and all was always reflected in his activities.
All who cared for Jim knew the meaning of life. Our prayers for Jim and all his loved ones.
Jim Eggers MD

July 13, 2013

You will be missed by so many.our prayers are with all the family. Ron and Sandra Faloon

Charly&Denise Ryan

July 13, 2013

Dearest Kennedy family,
Everyone in our family considers it an honor to have become close friends to such a special and gifted man and his family. He was always there to care for and help all of God's people, at home, at the hospital, at Loyola, or in the remote hills of St.Lucia. God love all your family.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in James Kennedy's name

Memorial Events
for James Kennedy

Jul

16

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Notre Dame Catholic Church

Michigan City, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Ott/ Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Inc.

418 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Kennedy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more