James Michael Kenny

James Michael Kenny, M.D., 89, of Greenville, NC, formerly of Milton, MA, passed peacefully at his loving home on December 11, 2025.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 11 am at St. Peter Catholic Church in Greenville, NC followed by a reception in the parish hall.
Jim was born on June 2, 1936, at the Brooklyn Hospital to Elizabeth Brosnan Kenny and Irish immigrant Michael James Kenny of Queens, NY. He was raised with a deep faith in Catholicism alongside his big sister, Elaine. Jim attended his favorite school, St. John's Prep, and served as an altar boy from a young age. As a child, he loved playing stickball in the street and had an active imagination, particularly with his toy soldiers.
A gifted writer, Jim turned down a full journalism scholarship to St. John's University in favor of studying biology at Fordham College, as he knew he wanted to become a doctor. After graduating from Creighton University School of Medicine, he proudly accepted residency and fellowship appointments at Columbia, Yale, and Harvard. Jim enjoyed teaching and was on the faculty of five medical schools throughout his career.
During his time at Yale, Jim met a gorgeous young nurse, Susan, who was taking care of his ill father. Love at first sight, they married within six months, and began a beautiful life together. They ran a private medical practice together for 27 years, one mile from their home in Milton. Jim had a spare room next to his office where his children could study, play, or watch the small black-and-white television while enjoying Whitman's Chocolates after school.
Although Jim was a highly respected physician with an extensive curriculum vitae, he was most passionate about family, faith, children, the environment, and helping those in need. He held several board positions for the American Lung Association, Massachusetts Hospital School, and various organizations close to his heart. A dedicated volunteer, Jim tirelessly advocated for emissions standards in Massachusetts and received the Clean Air Carolina "Air Keeper" award. He was an active member of the local Golden K, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Adoration Chapel for St. Peter.
Above all, Jim was the definition of a family man. He spent his life ensuring he never missed anything with his children. An avid sports fan, Jim loved taking his kids to watch the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins in Boston. Pursuant to his move to North Carolina, he became a fan of the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming a season ticket holder, where he shared memories with his children and grandchildren.
Jim treasured every second with his family, especially meals, which always started with Grace and ended with the family holding hands while cheering, "Hooray for the Kennys!" He had the reputation of being pure, kind, and a true gentleman. All were welcome at his home, where he was known to serve a stiff martini. He had a particular soft spot for dogs, from Toby to Dolly, his beloved pal who was the last to follow him out the door after his passing.
Jim was dearly loved by many. He will be forever missed by his wife of 58 years, Susan Sheridan Kenny of Greenville NC; daughter Erin Kenny Connelly of Greenville, NC; son Sean Patrick Kenny and his wife, Rhonda, of Greenville, NC; daughter Caroline Kenny Sweeney and her husband, Timothy, of Gray, Maine; and his precious nine grandchildren: Summer, Aidan, Bridget, James, Michael, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Patrick and Thomas. Jim is reunited in heaven with his infant son and special angel, Michael James Kenny.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jim's wonderful nurses, Lashonna and Kayla, from Gentiva Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601, the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, 3520 Tupper Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Aidan's Activists), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281.