CLAYTON, NY —  James P. Kennedy, 89, of Port St. Lucie, FL and formerly of Clayton, NY, passed away Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, after a brief illness.
Born Feb. 5, 1932, in Hailesboro, NY, the son of James M. Kennedy and Ruby Tuttle Kennedy, he graduated from Clayton Central School where he was an honor student and excelled at athletics, including being quarterback of championship football teams. In 1954, he received his bachelor’s of science degree from Union University Albany College of Pharmacy and obtained his license as a registered pharmacist.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and spent the majority of the next two years as part of the medical corps in Garmisch, Germany. After an honorable discharge, he accepted a pharmacist position with Kinney Drugs in Gouverneur, NY.
On Nov. 14, 1958, Jim married the former Marilyn Howard, at the home of her parents in Gouverneur, NY. Â Marilyn passed away April 16, 2005, at age 69, after a long battle with cancer.
In 1958, Jim and his father established Kennedy Pharmacy in Clayton. With long hours and hard work, the business flourished and became a mainstay of the community. He retired in 1987 and he and Marilyn spent winters in Florida. In 2001 they moved to Port St. Lucie as full-time residents, spending summers in Clayton.
Jim was involved in community activities in Clayton and a member of the Lions Club.
He was an avid boater, golfer, and traveler, but his favorite place to be was on the St. Lawrence River.
Surviving are sons, Kevin (Ann Marie) of Charlestown, RI and Gregory (Rosemarie) of Niskayuna, NY; grandchildren David (Lucy) Kennedy-Wong, Danielle (Alex) Mihal, Christopher Kennedy, and Natalie Kennedy; great-grandchild Kylie Mihal; sisters, Mary Ann (Ward) Clark of Pinehurst, NC and Jean (Larry) Carr of Clayton, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save the River (www.savetheriver.org).
A memorial service will be scheduled at a time and place to be announced.
Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Condolences can be offered at trjetty.com.
