James “Jay” Kennedy, age 82, passed peacefully at home on October 3, 2016 to be with his Lord and Savior and join his wife of nearly 60 years, Lois Johnson Kennedy. Jay was born in Brewton, AL on June 17, 1934, to Marvin and Sara Ruth Kennedy. There, he attended TR Miller High School, worked as a delivery man for a local grocery and met the love of his life, Lois Johnson. They were married on March 14, 1954 at Poplar Dell Baptist Church. Jay worked as a floor mechanic in Mobile, AL before hiring on with Monsanto in 1955 where he worked until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed water skiing, fishing, golfing and hunting as well as many other outdoor activities. Jay was a true craftsman and handyman who was skilled in carpentry, mechanics, woodworking, and landscaping. Jay was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Stephen and Sharon Kennedy, Nina and Maurice Radford, Paul and Dorothy Kennedy. Jay’s grandchildren include Amanda Bianchi, Jessica Harris, Megan Matson, Derek Kennedy, Morgan Radford and Ricky Page along with eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and cherished dearly. Jay is also survived by his sisters Barbara Harvey, Sara Mantel and Linda Chandler. He was preceded in death by his brother Marvin Kennedy, Jr. and his sister Elvis King. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society @ Donate.cancer.org. Services will be held at Lewis Funeral Home, 4777 W. Spencerfield Road, Pace, Florida on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens on Stewart Street in Milton.