James Kennedy

James Kennedy, 86, of Midland passed away March 6, 2023.  Celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ.

James was born October 22, 1936 to Henry and Autis Kennedy in Groesbeck, TX and moved to Monahans, TX when he was five years old.  He graduated from Monahans High School in 1955 where he was an outstanding athlete, earning an invitation to continue playing football at the college level.

On January 2, 1956, James married his childhood sweetheart, Sydney Wells.  They lived in Monahans, Gallup, NM, Jal, NM, and Midland.  James worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company for 31 years retiring in 1994.  James was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was a deacon at the Jal Church of Christ and always enjoyed serving others.  At Golf Course Road Church of Christ James was an active member of the Primetimers class and treasured his life group and looked forward to hosting their weekly gathering in his home.

James and Sydney deeply loved each other and celebrated over 55 years of life together prior to Sydney’s death August 29, 2011.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Donnia Hanna, of Bay St. Louis, MS and Wanda Alene, who died as an infant.

James was loved by his children – R’Beka (Becky) Kennedy Poindexter and husband, Jimmy Poindexter of Spring, Texas and D’Nese Kennedy Fowler and husband, Dale Fowler, of Midland, Texas.  “Daddy Jim” was cherished by his grandchildren, Kaela McDougall, and husband Bill, of Chicago, Illinois, Kendi Smith of Midland, Texas, Jamey Fowler, and wife, Emily, of Midland, Texas, Lara Packer, and husband, Clark of Spring, Texas, Brantly Fowler, and wife, Amber, of Midland, Texas.  Daddy Jim was a very proud great grandfather to twelve great-grandchildren who loved him very much — Aiden Smith, Keegan Smith, Luke Packer, Bayleigh Fowler, Hutton Smith, Sydney McDougall, Gianna McDougall, Brenner Fowler, Miles Packer, Gunner Fowler, Creed Fowler and Armor Fowler.  James’ extended family includes many other nieces, nephews and cousins, along with a host of friends who were very much a part of his life.

Memorials may be made to Aphasia Center of West Texas (aphasiawtx.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of James Kennedy, please visit our Tribute Store.