James Charles Kennedy

James Charles Kennedy, 82, of Bucyrus, OH passed away on January 3, 2023. Jim was born October 31, 1940 in Buchanan, Michigan to the late Charles and Jeanette (Flanagan) Kennedy. He was married April 25, 1970 to Janet (Reppart) Kennedy, who survives. Jim is also survived by children James Craig Kennedy of Buchanan, MI; Joseph Charles Kennedy of Chicago, IL; and Laura (Michael) Williams of Bucyrus, OH; and grandchildren Elijah and Michaelee Williams. Other surviving relatives include his Aunt Ruth Kennedy of Fort Myers, FL; cousin, Robert (Linda) Cottrell of Niles, MI, along with many other cousins; brother-in-laws Bruce Reppart, Nancy Reppart, Joseph (Pauline) Reppart, Phil (Cindy) Reppart, John (Rochelle) Reppart, Jay (Judy) Reppart; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was a 1959 graduate of Buchanan High School. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science and worked as a speech therapist for the Berrien County Intermediate School District for four years. He then received a Masters of Education from Michigan State University and taught students with hearing impairments at Berrien Springs Public Schools. 

Jim participated in multiple civic organizations. He was a member of the Buchanan and Berrien Springs Jaycees, a Cub Scout Cubmaster, and a founding member and President of the Berrien 

Council for Exceptional Children. He served terms as vice president and president of The Berrien Springs Education Association. Lastly, Jim was a member of the Berrien Springs Village Council finance committee that helped bring the new water and sewage treatment plant to Berrien Springs.

Jim was a member of Tice United Methodist Church of Fort Myers, FL. There will be no services per the family’s request at this time. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com