James Kennedy

Graveside services for James Connell Kennedy, 83, Lawrence, KS will be held at 11a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.  Military honors by Dorsey-Liberty Post #14 of the American Legion.

He died on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Kennedy was born on November 26, 1927 in Versailles, Missouri, the son of Milburn B. and Isa C. Drake Kennedy.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Navy Seaman 2nd class. He served on
the USS Massey #770 (a destroyer) as a Gunnersmate.

 James owned Jim’s Steak House in Lawrence for many years. He was involved in various
other hotels and restaurants.  He retired in 1995.
 
Mr. Kennedy was a member of Mt. Oread Aerie #309, FOE (Eagles), Lawrence and was a life member of V.F.W.  He was a former member of the Elks Lodge.

He married Ardyth Nadine Planz on January 2, 1951 in Harrison, Arkansas.  She preceded him in death on May 10, 2006. 

Survivors include two sons: Larry C. Kennedy and wife, Jennifer, and Dennis R. Kennedy and wife,  Zoe Ann, both of Lawrence; two daughters, Vickie L. Miller and husband Allan, Cairns, Austrailia,  and Diana G. Swisher and husband, David, Lawrence, KS; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and one sister, Lois Bunch, Shawnee, KS.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Faye and a brother Bill.

The family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 pm, Friday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
 

Memorials in his name may be made to the VFW and may be sent in care of the mortuary.