James Francis Kenney (Jim), 77, was born at San Diego Naval Hospital June 4th, 1947, and peacefully passed in Canton, Georgia July 10th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother, Mary Kenney, and father, Leslie Kenney. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years Barbara Kenney, their three children, Scott Patrick Kenney (Jennifer), Ryan James Kenney (Micaiah) and Jill Kenney August (Kevin) and his treasured grandchildren Brendan Kenney, Blake Kenney, Elleson Kenney, Finley Kenney, Caelan Kenney, Rory Kenney, Isaac August and Alix August. Jim is also survived by his brother Les Kenney of Georgetown, Texas.
Jim graduated from St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California in 1965 and then from the US Naval Academy in 1970. Upon graduation from USNA he went to flight school in Pensacola, Florida where he was awarded his wings in December 1971. He was assigned to a flight squadron based out of San Diego and aboard the USS Ranger performing search and rescue off the coast of Viet Nam. After that tour he spent a year in Dayton, Ohio attending the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) where he received a Masters of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Serving many tours on the East Coast, Jim was assigned to HM-14, an airborne mine countermeasures squadron in Virginia Beach. It was there that he flew the Navy’s RH-53D Sea Stallion mine countermeasures helicopter. That experience led him and family to an overseas assignment in Japan aboard the USS Blue Ridge on the 7th Fleet Admiral’s Staff as the Mine Warfare Helicopter Officer. After Japan he was transferred to Washington D.C. where he eventually retired from the Navy as a Commander. Jim immediately went to work for General Scientific Corporation a defense contractor in the DC area. After 23 years with GSC he retired as VP of Naval and Aviation Operations responsible for Washington DC, Florida and California.
Jim took immense pride in his family, cherishing the special moments of graduations, weddings, births, and quality time together. Outside of family he enjoyed cycling, golfing, and Army/Navy football games with friends. He led a productive and successful life characterized by hard work, exceptional service, strong values, and lasting friendships.
Jim embraced and enjoyed and excelled in every phase of his life.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice
The staff of the Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kenney Family.
Darby Funeral Home
489 E. Main St.
Canton, GA 30114
(770) 479-2183
Updated:13 August 2024
Curator: Ed Moore