James Ed Kennedy, 78, of Madison, WV passed away February 13, 2026. 

He was born June 26, 1947 and was a son of the late Edison and Jennie Kennedy; and his siblings, Eileen Smith, Arthur Kennedy, Randy Kennedy, Louise Ballard and Douglas Kennedy.

James was a member of Fountain of Life Worship Center.  He was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions and the Matewan Tigers and was a volunteer coach for the Red Jackets Little League for seven years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce Kennedy; sons, Doug (Liz) Kennedy of Madison, WV ad Eric (Connie) Kennedy of Foster, WV; one sister, Linda Lawson of Delbarton, WV; grandchildren, Kerston (Christopher) Jordan, and Mallory Kennedy.

Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Fountain of Life Worship Center in Foster, WV with Pastor Mick Frye officiating. Burial to follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Chapmanville, WV. 

Pallbearers: Phillip Goff, Sid Cisco, Devin Ratliff, Chris Brown, Dylyn Brown, Magellan Miller, and Brandon Green. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Green, Ed Goff, Ellis Davis, Jack Smith, John Duke Smith, and Johnny Rollins.