James J. Kennedy, Jr.

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 masters program at New York University and finished his masters 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 Homeowners 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 Kings 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. Heis preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Frank Balas.

Relatives and friends will be received at the ODONNELL 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 atwww.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. ODonnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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