James Edward

Kennedy

James Edward Kennedy, 90, of Salisbury, N.C., formerly of Madison, W.Va., passed away Oct. 28, 2026.

Jim was the son of the late Randall and Lottie Kennedy, born and raised in Roane County, W.Va. He had 12 siblings: six brothers and six sisters. Five are still living. On July 15, 1955, Jim married Loretta Faye (Seabolt) Kennedy, and they shared 69 1/2 years together until her passing on Feb. 9, 2025.

Jim was a born-again Christian and a member and deacon of West Madison Baptist Church.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon leaving the service, Jim drove a taxi in Chicago then worked at the FMC Ordnance Plant in South Charleston, W.Va., where he was a union representative. Upon moving to Madison in the early 1970s, Jim owned Kennedy and Harless Ambulance Service. He was one of the first paramedics in Boone County.

He later became a miner at Sharples Coal Co., where he was a member of the United Mine Workers and managed the miners’ burial fund. Jim then worked 30-plus years for People’s Life Insurance Company, retiring as a regional manager in the Charleston office. Jim was a member of the Danville Volunteer Fire Department for several years, and also a member of the Lions Club.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Faye Kennedy; son-in-law, Richard Smith; and seven brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are a son, Michael Kennedy of Salisbury, NC and wife, Amy, whom he loved like a daughter; daughters: Nancy Martin of Princeton, W.Va., and husband Larry, and Kathy Smith of Madison; grandchildren: Kelly Keathley, Jon Martin, Jordan Kennedy and Bryce Poteat; great-grandchildren: Shayla Keathley, Tanner Keathley, Bailee Martin, Emma Keathley, Jackson Martin and Xavier Kennedy; and great-great-granddaughter: Layla Livingston.

Memorial services for James E. Kennedy will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, W.Va., with Rev. Ray Barker officiating.