JJ Kennedy of Huntsville, TX was born on December 27,1950 in Gonzales, TX to George and Elsie Kennedy. He died on the evening of December 19, 2024.

JJ was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Kennedy, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Wayne and Nell Armstrong, and his brother-in-law Bill Armstrong. We are certain there was a joyous reunion with them, and all of the other family members and friends who had previously passed and knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And most importantly, JJ met Jesus face to face.

Here on earth, JJ's "loving child bride", as he often called her, Nan Kennedy, will continue as the matriarch of the Kennedy family. They were happily married for 54 years before his death. Nan will lead and love harder for their kids Jimmy Kennedy and wife Teresa of Belton, TX, Julie Cerny and husband Brandon of College Station, TX, and Carrie Vogler and husband Davin of Georgetown, TX, and for their grandchildren Tyler Kennedy, Madison Solorzano and husband Valente, Micah Vogler, Cammie Vogler, Jarrett Vogler, Stella Cerny, and Lyla Cerny. JJ also leaves a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Terry and Ann Armstrong of Georgetown, TX, and sister-in-law Cheryl Armstrong of Gatesville, TX whom he loved as the siblings he never had growing up as an only child. Numerous nieces and nephews, each very dear to him, also stay behind here on earth. JJ loved his family and every time he talked to his children he made a point to let them know how proud he was of them.

JJ grew up in Gonzales, TX and was involved in all things sports, horses, cattle, and cowboy. He thrived when he was competing, and he excelled when he was challenged physically during his youth. He was smart and calculating, and he applied that intellect while on the field, the court, the track, the rodeo arena, and in the field with animals. But he also had some scars from when his intellect and calculations failed him. They made for great stories that he loved to share with his children and grandchildren.

JJ left Gonzales in 1969 to attend Sam Houston State University where he soon met Nan.  They began dating at the beginning of 1970 and quickly fell in love.  They were married in June of that same year.

JJ and Nan built a life together in Huntsville, TX, raising their 3 kids, working to provide for them, coaching all their sports teams, serving as a director on the board of the Walker County SUD, and serving the Lord with their church family at Wesley Methodist Church. JJ had a particularly amazing wood crafting skill. The man could make anything out of wood. His shop is a maze of tools, treasured pieces of fine wood that he didn't feel skilled enough to cut, and many things he created from scrap. If you knew him, you likely have something crafted from wood he made for you.  He loved making ornaments, puzzles, wind chimes, games, and furniture.

His family will begin the process of consolidating his belongings, and as we do, we'll undoubtedly find 3-5 duplicates of everything. Ace Hardware and Home Depot will see a slight dip in their revenue now that JJ is rejoicing with Jesus. We'll laugh and reminisce, and we'll probably cry a few times as we fondly remember our husband, father, PawPaw, uncle, and friend. And that makes sense for someone who lived the way JJ lived.

As per JJ's wishes there will not be a funeral service.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for blood donations in memory of JJ or donations to Wesley Methodist Church in Huntsville, Texas.