James Everett Kennedy

James E. Kennedy, 93, of Greene Lane, Newport and formerly of Naples, Florida passed away on June 1, 2011 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Elizabeth Betty Lord Kennedy. They were married for 68 years. James was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on August 10, 1917. He was the son of Michael J. and Ellen C. Dunn Kennedy. James served in the Regular Army prior to World War II and volunteered for another tour of active duty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was recalled for active duty a third time during the Korean Conflict. He served in the Infantry, the Military Police, the Artillery Corps and with the Prisoner of War Division in North Africa. At the close of the African Campaign, his unit was responsible was the largest POW camp in North Africa, housing, feeding, and securing over one hundred thousand prisoners of war. Following his service in Africa, he participated in the Allied invasion of Southern France, landing at St. Tropez as part of Operation Dragoon.Mr. Kennedy was awarded numerous military decorations and citations during his distinguished military career. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds he received in Germany, a Good Conduct Medal, National and American Defense Medals and the Europe, Africa and Middle East Campaign Medal with three bronze stars and one arrowhead. He also received a Meritorious Service Award for Superior Performance of Duty. He is listed on the Roll of Honor, Reserve Officers Association. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.James had a long career in the transportation field following his military service, serving as the Southern Regional Manager and the New England Sales Manager for National Carloading. He left that company in 1959 to assist with the organization of P D Transportation and Bowler Van and Storage. He remained with them until his retirement in 1986. He was a former Director of the RI Truck Owners Association and Chairman of the RI Movers Association.He was active in many community organizations both in Newport and in Naples. He was a Life Member of the Elks Lodge #2010 in Naples, was the Chairperson of the Arthritis Foundation in that city, and was quite involved with the Homeowners Association of Riviera Colony. Mr. Kennedy was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club in Newport and served many roles including President. He was a past member of the Navy League, the Newport Preservation Society, the Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Newport Yacht Club and the D.A.V. Association.James enjoyed sailing, especially on his sailboat MoonCoin. He also loved traveling with his wife to Ireland, Greece and throughout the U.S. His latest interest was in painting. He especially enjoyed painting scenes of Newport.He is survived by his wife, Betty, by his daughters Maureen E. Seiple and her husband Bill of Middletown, Gale E. Knowles of Newport and Kathleen A. Kennedy and her partner Nancy Singelman of Santa Barbara, CA, by his granddaughter Kristin Silveira and her husband Adam of Little Compton, by his grandsons Garrett Seiple of Middletown, Stephen Knowles of Middletown, Dylan Harrington of Newport, Andrew Kennedy and Spencer Kennedy of Santa Barbara, CA, by his great-grandchildren Alyssa, Megan, Jami and Jonathan Silveira all of Little Compton, RI and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Lord Kennedy and his grandson Michael David Knowles who passed away in 2004.His funeral will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 a.m. at St. Marys Church, Spring St. Newport, RI. Burial will be at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 3-6 p.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Donations may be made in his memory to Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or St. Marys Catholic Church, Restoration Fund, PO Box 547, Newport, RI, 02840.