Ralph James Kennedy

Ralph James “Jim” Kennedy, age 77, of Freeport, Ohio died peacefully at home surrounded by his daughters on Monday, October 9, 2023.

He was born in Belton, West Virginia on November 15, 1945, to the late Ernest Jasper Kennedy and Della Garnet Kennedy, and proudly served our country in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 504th Infantry. He retired in 1992 from the Saginaw Mining Company in St. Clairsville.

He was a devout Christian who attended church every Sunday and prioritized reading the Bible every day. He also volunteered with the Lakeland Group Ministries Food Cupboard for many years and was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. As an avid fisherman, he took a yearly fishing trip to Canada with close lifelong friends. He loved all aspects of fishing, especially fileting his own fish and treating everyone to a fish fry and homemade tartar sauce. He also enjoyed cycling, gardening, and playing Yahtzee with his daughters.

He is survived by two daughters: Kaci Jo “Ruby” Kennedy of Denver, Colorado and Baylee Joy “Sprout” Kennedy of Bakersfield, California; son-in-law DJ Sixxx Rodriguez, the mother of his children, Nancy Jo Elbert Mader; his sister Virginia Grant and brother-in-law Jeff Grant, several nieces and nephews, and five grand fur-children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Blanche “Peewee” Kennedy and brother, Ernest “Junior” Kennedy.

Koch Funeral Home in Freeport was entrusted with his cremation. The family has chosen a private remembrance of life ceremony. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kochfuneralhome.net

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