James Lee Kennedy, age 77, passed away on May 8, 2026, at HCA Trident Medical Center following a long battle with heart disease.

Known to many as “Jimmy,” he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucy Kennedy. He is survived by his sons, John Flanders Kennedy and (William) Snowden Kennedy (Kim Kennedy); his cherished grandchildren, Daniel Kennedy, Clara Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, and Bryce Kennedy; his sister, Dale Kieve; his brother, Paul Kennedy; as well as many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Jimmy was born on July 27, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was raised in Albany, Georgia. He attended Northside Elementary School and Albany Junior High School before graduating from Albany High School. He continued his education at Albany Junior College and later attended Georgia Southern College before earning a Master’s degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

Throughout his life, Jimmy followed many professional paths, each reflecting his strong work ethic, intelligence, and wide-ranging abilities. Early in his career, he worked in manufacturing, where his mechanical aptitude and attention to detail quickly became evident. He later pursued his passion for education by teaching high school English, where he enjoyed encouraging students to think critically and express themselves clearly. In time, he transitioned into appliance repair, a profession perfectly suited to his patient nature and natural talent for understanding how things worked. Whether repairing a complicated machine or helping someone solve a problem, Jimmy took pride in doing the job well and was always willing to lend a hand to others.

Outside of work, Jimmy was a man of endless curiosity and creativity. He loved woodworking and could often be found in his workshop building, repairing, or improving something with his hands. He enjoyed sailing and appreciated the peace and freedom he found on the water. Jimmy also had a lifelong fascination with machinery, engines, and mechanical projects of all kinds. Friends and family knew him as someone who could take apart almost anything, understand how it worked, and somehow put it back together even better than before. He enjoyed tinkering, experimenting, and learning simply for the joy of it.

Above all, Jimmy treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and happiness in his retirement years. He will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness, humor, wisdom, and steady presence touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, resilience, generosity, and quiet strength will continue to live on through those who loved him.