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James Joseph "Jim" Kearney
James Joseph "Jim" Kearney
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James Kearney Obituary
Jim "Pappy" Kearney, 87, of Glenwood, Maryland, passed away on May 31, 2024. He was born on October 19, 1936, in Scranton, PA, to the late James Francis Kearney and Rose (McGuire) Kearney. Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Lawrence and Stephanie Kearney; his son-in-law, Greg Lawrence; beloved granddaughters, Morgan and Taylor Lawrence; and the mother of his children, Melanie Medicus. Jim is also survived by his nieces, Kathleen (Miller) Foy and Donna Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, Mary Alice (Kearney) Miller, and niece, Mary Carol (Miller) Malone.
Jim grew up on Milton Avenue in East Baltimore and attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He sold newspapers at Memorial Stadium and was a huge fan of the Baltimore Colts and Baltimore Orioles. He was a proud Army veteran, beginning his service in 1959 as a draftsman. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He was the first motorcycle dealer in Baltimore, owning American Kawasaki and Baltimore Cycles in the 1970s and 1980s. He loved sharing his stories about his days at the dealerships with his friends and family.
Jim was the consummate family man. His family was his greatest joy. When his children were young, he enrolled them in sports, knowing that it would teach them the life lessons of teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity. He was always present. He attended every game and practiced with them constantly in the yard. Jim loved playing golf and taught his daughters the game, instilling his passion for the game in the entire family. Pappy was also a wonderful grandfather to his granddaughters and took great pride in attending all of their recitals, graduations, and school events. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He will be remembered as a family man and friend to many.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, June 9th, from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a service at 5 pm at Harry H Witzke's Funeral Home at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Jim's wishes are to be laid to rest among his fellow veterans. A private military burial will take place on Monday, June 10th at a Veterans Cemetery in Maryland.
Jim "Pappy" Kearney will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
GUS KURTZ
May 28, 2025
Every time we go to Arundel Seafood < I think of Jim going there every Friday evening to get his Crab Cake, when he did not go the owner Pixie
would call and ask if he was OK
Jim really loved his crabs
Christina T.
March 17, 2025
Deeply saddened to just now hear the news of Mr. Jim´s passing. He was a sweet and kind man. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish I had seen the news sooner, I surely would have paid my respects. He certainly deserved that. He will always have a special place in my heart and he will be forever missed.
Gordy Woelper
June 4, 2024
From a fellow Poly grad 1972, rest easy Jim. And, my condolences all around.
John Noon
June 3, 2024
Jim was my best golfing buddy for over 20 years !! I loved his stories and his jovial mannerisms . I´m sure he is telling stories in Heaven and keeping the Saints entertained !!
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Keith Scott
June 3, 2024
My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Jim. He was a good man and I know he has moved on to a better place.
Thinking of this brings back memories of before Mary Carol and I were married, and we used to take Jennifer and Stephanie out for day trips and play with them when they were young. Seems like a like time ago.
When uncle Butch had his motorcycle shop on Eastern Ave., I got a pair of leather gloves from him, and they are the warmest gloves I've ever found. I still have them today, about 50 years later. Rest in peace uncle Butch.
Melanie Medicus
June 3, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Our daughters were the very best of us. He was a wonderful father to our girls. Rest in peace Jim!
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