James C. Kenna

James “Jim” C. Kenna of Ottsville, PA, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 82.

Jim was born October 3, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA, while his father was stationed there in the Navy. He was the elder son to Charles William and Violet Hadden Kenna.

After retiring from the Navy, his father moved the family back to Western Pennsylvania, west of Pittsburgh to the small town of Bridgeville. During his high school years, the family moved to Upper St. Clair, where Jim graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1961.

Jim was a businessman at a young age. He had chickens and literally pedaled his eggs and stewing chickens to the neighbors for cash. In summer, he worked on his aunts’ and uncles’ farm, caring for animals and working in the fields. Thus, his interest in farm animals grew. Jim also had a few of his own horses and, on weekends, he would go to horse shows and compete, being an accomplished western rider. 

The fall of 1961 brought Jim east to attend Delaware Valley Agriculture School as it was called back then. But his drive to do business was so great, that, although he never stopped learning, left college after 1 year, bought his first truck and Jim Kenna livestock was born. Jim would tell you that he graduated instead from the School of Hard Knocks.

He started by frequenting a local auction, Marland France in Danboro every Friday night. He then started going to auctions in Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon counties, and, as word spread of his reputation at business, so did his business grow. He was the owner operator of Jim Kenna Livestock for 63 years. He was respected everywhere he did business as a man who kept his word, paid his bills, was fair, and was good to employees.

Jim had 2 loves in his life – his business and his wife. He had little time for hobbies, kiddingly telling people he hunted the green bucks. He also enjoyed model trains, people watching and trying new restaurants. He loved spending time with his family, but he would say his favorite was when he was home with his wife and the kitties.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Jeanne, his daughter, Kimberly Welsh (Tommy) of Lebanon, PA, “sons” Andrew (Debby) Labant of Royersford, PA and Darren Haich of Ottsville, PA, his brother-in-law, Dave Wolfinger (Judy) of Ottsville, PA, his sister-in-law, Nancy Kenna of Sellersville, PA, 5 granddaughters, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces, and 7 great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by their kitties, Benny and Betsey. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald (Jerry). 

Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Naugle Funeral Home, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA calling hour for family and friends will be 9 AM – 12 noon followed by the funeral service. Interment immediately following at Nockamixon Union Cemetery in Ferndale, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cancer Institute, C/O Prager Patient Assistance Fund, 1240 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103. Please write in memory of Jim Kenna in the memo.