Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
James Kennedy Obituary
James W. Kennedy, age 66, of Stratford, CT passed away on October 26, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years Patricia (Callahan) Kennedy; his son Robert Kennedy; his daughter Elizabeth (Bryan) Martin; four cherished granddaughters, Reagan Kennedy and Abigail, Ella, and Harper Martin; seven brothers and sisters Robert (Fran) Kennedy, Thomas Kennedy, Kathleen (Gene) Verdino, Frank (Leslie) Kennedy, Joseph (Mary) Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, and Joanne (Rich) Collins; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Kennedy, his sister-in-law, Jeannine Blundell Kennedy, and his brother-in-law, Dennis Ryan.
Jim was born in the Bronx in 1950 and graduated from Fordham University in 1972. After graduating, he served in the US Army with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks. Jim and Pat were married in 1976 in the Bronx and moved to Stratford, CT in 1977, where they raised their family. Jim had a strong passion for the business world beginning his career as a salesman for Swiss Army Brands and spending his last ten years with Swiss Army as the CEO. He had spent the later portion of his career as a business consultant in various industries, including consumer products and the aerospace industry. In his free time, Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his granddaughters who he loved dearly.
Friends and family are invited to attend his services on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the V.A. Medical Center, 950 Campbell Ave. West Haven, CT 06516. An online guestbook is available at mullinsfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Clifford
October 22, 2022
Just a footnote. Jim's Dad worked for the FBI, as I recall. Back, post War, Fordham was a conduit. Remember Jimmy wearing an FBI hat @ Racebrook. Good times and lots of laughs. Miss him. He was out of the Jesuit Tradition of Service to others. #Grace
tom clifford
November 27, 2017
Dear Pat - I am terribly sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Last we talked was two years ago in Orange. He was a consummate salesman..and an even better person. He did a lot of good. Whenever he was asked for help, he would respond. I was fortunate our paths crossed. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Sincerely,
Paul Hagerty
November 6, 2017
A wonderful and genuine regular guy, who was a mentor to many, including me, at Swiss Army. Jim had a heart of gold and a personality which endeared many to him. I will miss the laugh, the smile and the memories.
My sympathies to the family.
Michele Kurdavy
November 2, 2017
Pat and family, With loving thoughts and respect to comfort you during this time of sorrow. The memory of those we love stay in our hearts forever. You were always a great friend Jim, and will deeply missed. RIP my dear friend!!!
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Laura Condon
November 2, 2017
The loss of a friend is the greatest of losses. Jim was one of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. My sympathy to Pat and the family.
Barry Spears
November 2, 2017
I was so lucky to have Jim as my boss at Swiss Army. Jim was living proof of how real a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father to his children. He was also a great colleague. The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words: he was sincere, he was spontaneous, and he was truly an original. R.I.P, Jim
Joe Dey
November 2, 2017
Sincerest condolences to the entire family and all his loved ones...A true gentleman...generous and always with a smile...Rest in Peace, Jimmie.
Bob Uskevich
November 2, 2017
I extend my sincerest sympathies to you, Pat, and your family. Jim was a great guy. God Bless you all.
Eric Angione
November 1, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Pat and family. May the Lord provide strength and guidance to you through this difficult time. We will miss Jim very much, and our fond memories of Irish, which I affectionally called Jimmy, shall live on. Fellow Fordham Ram - way too soon my friend. May God rest his soul and comfort his kind family.
Prayers sent,
Sandy Kay (Hennessey)
November 1, 2017
Jim was the president when I started at Swiss Army back in 1989 and I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. We worked hard and also had lots of fun. Jim was well respected and always had that Irish smile. I learned a lot and 28 years later I'm still working for the same company. Jim will never be forgotten and I feel blessed to have worked with him. May you Rest In Peace and your legacy will live on. I will miss you Jim.
Dickie Boy
October 30, 2017
Rest In Peace Jimmy you will be missed
Stanley DiCicco
October 30, 2017
I am deeply sadden by this. My prayers and sincere condolences go to the family. It seemed like yesterday we were in high school. He was truly a great guy.
John Lyons
October 30, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family. We were friends growing up in the Bronx on Hone Ave. We use to call him the 'Deacon' and he use to love to play cards. Please accept my condolences.
frank selva
October 30, 2017
Wonderful man with great family glad to have been a small part of your life may the wind be at your back forever
Rick Dunne
October 30, 2017
Jim was as generous and loyal as a man could be. I will miss talking railroads and rolling stock with my fellow Ram...
Condolences to his family; he will be missed.
Ed Toro
October 29, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of this special man who was my high school classmate.
Terry & Barbara Crawford
October 29, 2017
To a very generous man who will be missed by many.
Vincent Curren
October 29, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear about Jim.... My sincerest condolences to all of Jim's family and friends from a high school classmate.
John McGlynn
October 29, 2017
Thanks for being my classmate at Cathedral Prep, as well as a great Center on out Water Buffalo intramural team. Great to , hear you have a wonderful family, and had a wonderful life.
Paul Wineland
October 29, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. Jim was a dear friend for many years and I cherish the many good times and memories I have of and with him. May the golf courses, Bud Light and gin games be to his liking in heaven. He will be greatly missed and remembered.
Kathleen Kennedy-Verdino
October 28, 2017
"Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Love you and miss you Jimmy,
Kack
Joanne Kennedy
October 28, 2017
My big brother Jim has always been a leader, and throughout his illness, and especially these past weeks, he showed us all just how strong he could be. Rest In Peace, dear brother: we all will miss you. I have no doubt that Mom and Dad have met you at the threshold to ease your path to the other side.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
399 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611
Make a Donation
in James Kennedy's name
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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays 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
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
