James P. "Jim" Kennedy 1862-1931

KENNEDY, LAWLER, DONOVAN, HEPP, MAHER, MALEY, DONLON, HICKEY, JOHNSON, HANNON, MCCALL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/12/2011 at 16:47:39

James P. Kennedy Passes Away at His Home Wednesday [August 12, 1931]
The entire community was shocked last Thursday morning when the sad and sudden announcement came from Wallingford of the very sudden death of James P. Kennedy. Many of Mr. Kennedy’s friends had seen him about the day before his death. On Wednesday he was about the farm looking after the usual routine of farm life. About ten o’clock on Wednesday morning he asked one of the employees to assist him to the house. Dr. Coleman was called and remained with Mr. Kennedy for about four hours. That evening Dr. Coleman told us Mr. Kennedy had a severe heart attack but that he seemed to becoming out of it nicely. Mr. Kennedy remained in the house that afternoon and seemed much improved. At about ten o’clock he became again suddenly ill and passed away in about ten minutes.

“Jim” Kennedy, as everyone knew him, was one of the county’s finest farmers. He was a good business man and knew farming. He was a diligent worker. Regardless of how busy he might be, he always had time for public improvements. He boosted fairs, farm festivals and was a strong supporter of the dairy industry. In fact, he was always interested in anything for the benefit of the farm or farmer.

James P. Kennedy was born on November 26, 1862, in New York. In early life he came to DeKalb, Ill., with his parents. He resided there until after his marriage to Kathryn Lawler. In 1891 he moved to Wallingford and engaged in farming. His wife passed away in 1913 and for a short time he resided in Estherville. Of late he has been residing on the farm with his two daughters, Clara and Rose. The Kennedy family consisted of five daughters and two sons. Six of the children are still living: Atty. F. J. Kennedy of this city, Rose and Clara Kennedy of Wallingford, Betty of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Mrs. Mat Donovan of this city and Mrs. T. R. Hepp of Jackson, Minn.

Those from out of the city attending the funeral were P. E. Kennedy, a brother, and Mrs. Mary Maher, a sister of DeKalb, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Maley of Marta, Ill.; Jas. Donlon of Clinton, Earl Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hickey and Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Johnson of DeKalb, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Mat Hannon and Lillian Maher, of Chicago; and Mr. and Mrs. Percy McCall of Revere, Minn.

The funeral services were held from the St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday morning, the Rev. Father Savage officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery south of this city. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 19, 1931)