James Kenneth Kennedy

June 15, 1925 - April 28, 2018

Mr Kennedy was born in Farrar, Texas on June 15, 1925 to Garvis and Aline Kennedy. He was a long-time resident of Jacksboro and passed away on April 28, 2018 in Jacksboro, Texas after a long and very full life. He is survived by his son Reggie Kennedy, granddaughter Kelly Kennedy & Chad Jones, great grandson Chase Jones, sister Wanda Blackmon and his loving and caring companion JoAnn Killen. James was a World War II Navy veteran stationed on the seaplane tender USS Hamlin and attained the rank of Yeoman 3rd class. The USS Hamlin sailed in the Pacific 3rd Fleet under the command of Admiral William “Bull” Halsey Jr. He was drafted into service in February 1944 after graduating from Groesbeck High School and 90 days later was headed to Iwo Jima for the march to Tokyo Bay and the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945. The USS Hamlin and crew were present in Tokyo Bay and observed the formal Japanese surrender abroad the USS Missouri on September 2. James graduated with a BBA from Sam Houston State University in 1949. He moved to Abilene, Texas and entered the banking business until deciding that it interfered with his hunting and fishing activities. He later moved to Jacksboro and started Kennedy Pest Control where he earned the nickname ‘Rat Man’ from clients, friends and just people who like to call him ‘Rat Man’. He was the veterans Service Officer for Jack County for 28 years and a Quartermaster with the VFW. James will be sorely missed for his fish fries, his service to the country, his tomato garden, his pool table skills and his big heart and love of life. He was always quick with a smile, laugh and hearty handshake. He lived an exemplary life. He and LK Bowen, Tubby Lowrance, Hugo Rawlings, Woodrow Henderson and all his other good buddies can now relax and let the local fish population recover for the younger generations.