James J. Kennedy, Jr. Print

James J. Kennedy, Jr.



Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and friend;



James J. Kennedy, Jr. 76, of Lowell, Massachusetts, a well-known longtime local educator, passed away on Saturday February 4, 2023, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, MA.

He was the loving husband for over 52 years of Mary E. (Balas) Kennedy of Lowell, MA, who survives him.

Born in Lowell, MA, May 4, 1946, the son of the late James J. and the late Olivia A. (Lucy) Kennedy, he attended Lowell Schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1964. James attended Lowell State College graduating in the class of 1968. He then attended the master’s program at New York University and finished his master’s degree in Administration and Education from Lowell State College.

Jim proudly served his country as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1996 from the U.S. Naval Reserves after 30 plus years of service.

Prior to his retirement, Jim was a dedicated Educator at Lowell High School for over 32 years, where he retired as the Chairperson of the Science Department.

Among his many interests, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his grandchildren in Hilton Head Island, SC and at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. He enjoyed boating, traveling, cooking, reading and living life to the fullest with his wife.

He took great pride in educating and helping others. Jim served for over 20 years on the board and as the President of the Homeowner’s Association of Admirals Row and Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Convention Center in Hilton Head Island. He also served as a Representative for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, NY.

Jim was also a member of the Reserve Officers Association, the Military Officers Association, the Wardroom Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by a daughter Kathleen (Kennedy) Hartrey and her husband John of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; a son James J. “Jamie” Kennedy, III and his wife Heather of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; six grandchildren Liam W. Hartrey, James J. Kennedy, IV, Colin K. Hartrey, John F. Hartrey, IV, Grace A. Kennedy, and Gwendolyn A. Kennedy; his in-laws Martha Balas of Cape Cod, and Joseph Balas and his wife Elaine of Lowell, MA; and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Frank Balas.

Relatives and friends will be received at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST.  in Lowell on Friday morning February 10, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:15 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass at ST. MICHAEL CHURCH in Lowell at 12:00 P.M. Noon. Committal Services will be held at a later date for the family. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr.  (978) 458-8768.




Condolences (7)
  • 2023-02-10 13:45:39 | Ken Berard, neighbor
    Very sorry your loss. Rest in peace.
  • 2023-02-10 13:44:53 | John and Leslie Hassan
    Sorry to hear about your loss. We enjoyed working with him.
  • 2023-02-10 08:03:52 | Paul and Sue Hartwell
    So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.Fond memories of our time together at Lowell State.
  • 2023-02-09 20:42:41 | Bob & Nancy Gagin
    Dearest Mary and Jamie, Kathleen and Family.....Nancy and I cannot express our sorrow in hearing of the passing of Jimmy..No words can comfort your loss only knowing in your hearts that He is with our Lord Jesus Christ and all his earthly pain is now replaced with Heavenly Bliss....May God Bless him and may He rest in Peace....FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.....Bob & Nancy Gagin...
  • 2023-02-09 17:57:20 | John/Kathy Wood  - Thinking of you all
    Mary Kathleen and Jamie and the entire clan, We are so sorry to learn of Jim's passing, a man who was loved by so many and who set an example of service to others and his community and country. His pride and love for his family was on full display whenever we spent time together. He welcomed us all into the extended family. He was a patriot and we thank him for his service. God bless him and you all. All our love during this difficult time. Know you're all in our prayers and thoughts. John and Kathy Wood and family
  • 2023-02-09 03:22:05 | Jane Geary  - Sincere sympathy to you and your family
    Dear Mary, I wish to express my condolences to your family. I have experienced your sadness when I lost Neil almost 5 years ago. I will keep all of you in my prayers. I live in Washington state near my daughter now. I have moved into a senior independent residence about a week ago and am enjoying myself as much as possible. We have a pool and theater, a bus that takes us out to shop or see our doctors, too. I am starting to make new friends as well. I know this is a difficult time for you, but know that I am thinking of you. Sincerely, Jane Geary
  • 2023-02-08 12:29:39 | Kate Clewell
    A dear friend and mentor. It was a privilege knowing Jim as a Board Member and owner. His contribution to our beautiful Hilton Head island home will always be remembered.
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