James Kenyon

1939 - 2018

James V. Kenyon
October 23, 1939 - January 10, 2018
James (Jim) V. Kenyon passed away peacefully on January 10, 2018 at the age of 78. He is now with the Lord and no longer in pain, looking down upon us and making sure we stay in line. Jim leaves behind his children Todd (Fran) and Pam (Rudy), granddaughters Aspen and Koryn, 3 step-grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and his companion J. Jim was preceded in death by his father, B Dudley, mother, Virginia, and brother, Dudley.
Jim was born in McMinnville, Oregon. Graduated in 1957 from McMinnville High School. He received his bachelors degree from Oregon State in 1961. Then going to the University of Oregon for his masters degree which he obtained in 1964. Jim never thought of himself as a Duck, he was a Beaver to the end and could still recite the Oregon State anthem. He married Linda in 1962 and moved to Modesto in 1964 to begin his career as an English teacher at his other beloved school, Modesto High. He proudly wore the Black and Crimson on Friday's and was found at many football games. He even dragged his children to help in the concessions stands. Jim retired in 1999 after 35 years of teaching juniors, advanced freshmen and IB students. He would tell stories of teaching in the Quonset huts before moving to the new building and teaching in Room 52. He was known for acting out the stories that were being read.
One of Jim's great passions in life was Duplicate Bridge. He began playing bridge in college and became a Life Master. He could be found at the bridge club on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. He continued to learn more and more about the game and would remember hands that happened weeks ago. He was also a director. He made a good referee.
Jim was never a big player of sports, but loved to watch it on TV. His favorite was college basketball and if he could find Oregon State playing he was happy. Jim loved to go to the theater and was very excited when the Gallo Center was built in Modesto and he could see productions locally. He loved to travel. He has visited many countries outside of the US as well as many areas within the US. The one place he would return every year (for more than 20 years) was New Orleans. He loved Mardi Gras. The parades were his favorites and could be seen with multiple layers of beads on him after the parade. Shrimp Po-Boys was his favorite dish and he ordered them whenever they were on the menu. Jim's children traveled with him to Mardi Gras a few years and they came to love it as much as he did.
Jim will be missed. His quick wit gone, but his kind and caring words will not be forgotten. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 28, 2018 from 1-4 pm at Marcella's Restaurant, 3507 Tully Road, Modesto. Just a friendly get together, it is what Jim would have liked.
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