James Robert Kennedy was born on June 22, 1943 in Norwood Massachusetts to Walter and Anne Roche Kennedy. Growing up in Walpole Massachusetts, he was baptized and confirmed at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Active in his community from an early age, James wrote for the local newspaper about the results of local ballgames and other events. He loved reading about, and collecting pamphlets for new cars that came out, and showed a strong ability to wax poetic about cars from his youth.

James graduated from Walpole High School in 1961 and then earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at Stone Hill College in 1966. Drafted by the Army prior to his graduation, James served his country faithfully, which remained a point of pride throughout his life; he was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Following his service in the Army, he enrolled at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Master of Library Science. During this time, he met the love of his life, and married Mary-Elinor Reardon on January 31, 1971.

They lived and worked in Bourne, Massachusetts, later moving to Andover, Massachusetts in 1975, when James became the Director of the Lawrence Public Library. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Patrick and Elizabeth. In 1982, James became the Director of the Geisel Library at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. Later moving to Iowa in 1990, James took a job as the University Librarian at Buena Vista University, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he became the President of the Buena Vista County Historical Society, and continued his lifelong love of public service and history.

James was known for his infectious smile, his mischievous sense of humor, and his ability to not see the glass as half full, but entirely full. He delighted in helping his students find information, and often said that reading Rolling Stone Magazine helped him stay young at heart, and to relate to each new class. His wealth of knowledge and boundless enthusiasm meant he always had a relevant story to tell, or a pun to make everyone laugh or groan. He loved the history of sports, and could often be found reading about his favorite New England teams. James’ faith had a strong foundation, and was visible in the way he lived his life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. James was a positive influence in the lives of all who met him, and will be truly missed.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary-Elinor Kennedy, his children Patrick Kennedy and Elizabeth Kennedy, his brother William T. Kennedy, and a large number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 18th at 10:00am at  Saint Pius X Church in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. Visiting hours will take place on May 17th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Hallett Funeral Home in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts. A memorial will be held at a future date in Storm Lake, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting that donations to the Stone Hill College MacPháidín Library or the Buena Vista County Historical Society be made in his name.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mary-Elinor, Elizabeth and Patrick. The obituary captures Jim's spirit so well! My thoughts will be with you this weekend.