James L. Kennedy

James Leroy Kennedy, 83, of Uhrichsville, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation at Schoenbrunn in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Born January 27, 1942 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, he was a son of the late Leroy Bennett Kennedy and Ella (Vagase) Kennedy-White.

Jim grew up in the St. Clairsville area before proudly serving in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1966 – having been stationed aboard the USS Scanner, USS General William Mitchell, and USS Coral Sea as he served over five years in foreign and sea service. He returned home to a long career as a machinist, first at Consol Coal Company for many years which afforded him the opportunity to work on some of the largest equipment in the world including the Gem of Egypt and Big Muskie. He later was employed by Prontour in New Philadelphia and Dennison before eventually retiring from Simon Aerials in Bowerston.

He was exceptionally gifted in his ability to work with his hands and loved pastimes like model ship building and model railroads. He was a longtime train enthusiast who had been active in the Dennison Area Model Railroaders, as well as the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum. Jim had volunteered with the Ohio Central Railroad in Sugarcreek, as well.

Jim will be deeply missed by his twin sons, William R. (Wendy) Kennedy and Michael R. (Carrie) Kennedy; daughters, Mindy (Joe) Croft and Sheri Hidey; grandchildren, Aidan, Natalie, Chloe, Paul, Michelle, Crystal, Tiffany, and Alexis; seven great-grandchildren; and his longtime special friend and companion, Sandy Haverty. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Louise (Barcus) Kennedy; second wife, Earlene Lee (Gordon) Kennedy; son, John Kinsey; and sister, Jackie Woods.

According to Jim’s wishes, cremation is planned without a public viewing. He will be laid to rest beside his first wife, Louise, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Scio, Ohio – overlooking Tappan Lake where he and his family had shared countless happy times together – following a private graveside service with a military committal. Family and friends will be welcomed to a celebration of his life to be held on a future date. This website will be updated when details are confirmed. Charitable contributions honoring Jim’s memory may be made to the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, designated for their train room, P. O. Box 11, Dennison, OH 44621.