John Paul Kennedy

John Paul Kennedy, age 39, of Niles, Michigan. John left this world peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, a day that also marked his 39th birthday surrounded by his loving family & friends. Though his time with us was far too short, his life was rich in love, laughter, and meaningful connections that will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John was born on October 14, 1986, in South Bend, Indiana, to his devoted parents, David W. Kennedy Jr. and Marsha (Weimer) Kennedy. From the moment he entered the world, John's presence brought light and joy to those around him. As a child, he was full of curiosity, kindness, and a strong desire to help others-a trait that only grew stronger with time.
He attended Brandywine Elementary, then continued to Brandywine Middle and High School, before transferring to Southside High School, where he proudly graduated. Throughout his school years, John was known not only for his bright and engaging personality, but also for his ability to make friends easily and to bring people together with his humor and warmth.
John's love for life could be felt in everything he did. He had a wide range of interests that reflected his fun-loving and deeply caring nature. He was passionate about tractors and enjoyed working on them, often losing track of time while tinkering and fixing engines with patience and skill. He was a dedicated video game enthusiast and found joy in escaping into digital worlds, where he could compete, explore, and connect with others.
Music and movies were central to John's life. Whether it was the latest blockbuster or a classic he had seen a dozen times, John loved sharing movie nights with friends and family. Music lifted his spirit, calmed his soul, and often became the soundtrack to his daily life. He found great peace and happiness outdoors as well, especially while playing disc golf. To John, a day spent on a disc golf course with loved ones felt like a holiday, a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and to laugh with the people he cared about.
One of the most beautiful qualities about John was his wholehearted dedication to the people he loved. He was deeply committed to his parents, David and Marsha, whom he cherished beyond words. His love for them was constant and fierce. He also shared an extraordinary bond with his late wife, Onise Kennedy, who was the love of his life and his closest companion. Their connection was a testament to the power of true partnership, and her passing left a space in his heart that never truly healed. Yet he carried her memory forward with strength, grace, and quiet devotion.
John brought his loving and compassionate spirit into his work as well. He served his community with honor and integrity through his work at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Highland and Riverview Cemeteries, and St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In his role, John took special care to ensure that every burial was handled with dignity, respect, and precision. He understood the importance of comforting grieving families and honoring the lives of those who had passed. For him, it was more than a job-it was a responsibility he carried with sincerity and pride.
He will be remembered for his generosity, his joyful heart, and his ability to bring comfort to others simply by being himself. John was always willing to lend a hand, to listen, or to offer a hug. He had a remarkable way of making people feel seen and valued. If he loved you, you knew it-and you never had to wonder. He was outgoing, honest, and unfailingly kind. His presence could light up a room, and his laughter was contagious.
John would be grateful to know he is loved, that his absence is felt deeply, and that his memory will be honored always. He gave us the gift of his love, his laughter, and his light, and for that, we will be forever thankful.
We love you, John. We miss you more than words can say. You will live in our hearts forever.
Those who knew John will carry his memory forward in every shared story, every family gathering, and every moment when his laughter is remembered and missed. His kindness, his love for family, and his vibrant personality will remain with us always. John would want us to remember the love we shared with him, to continue laughing, and to support one another in the way he so naturally did. While we grieve his absence, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
John is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Ruth Marguerite Kennedy and David W. Kennedy Sr., his cherished wife Onise Kennedy, and his loving aunt Martha Robinson. Though their loss was great, John found strength in the love of his family and the memories they had created together.
He is survived by his devoted parents, David W. Kennedy Jr. and Marsha (Weimer) Kennedy, who loved him deeply and were proud of the man he became. He is also survived by his cousins Amy Overmyer and Adam Overmyer and Adam's wife Anna. His younger first cousins, Isaiah Freeze, Tia Freeze, Melody Overmyer, and Jace Overmyer, held a special place in his heart, and he delighted in watching them grow, sharing his time, wisdom, and laughter with them, along with leaving behind all of his friends and co-workers who cherished the time they spent with John.
A visitation in honor of John's life will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, located at 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana, 46561. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation. Following the service, John will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery, located at 2257 Portage Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46624.
For those who wish to leave a message of condolence, share a memory, or support the family during this difficult time, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
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