James Brantley Kennedy, Jr

Mr. James Brantley Kennedy, Jr, age 92 of 2790 Piney Mount Road, Tennille, Georgia, died peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, following an extended illness. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at Piney Mount United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. followed by interment at Zeta Cemetery. Dr. Brant Kennedy and Rev. Gary Griffin will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be six grandsons – Aaron Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, Paul Harlan, Colton Kennedy, Jacob Kennedy, Dallas Kennedy; a great-grandson, Micah Kennedy; and a nephew, Jimmy Lewis. The Kennedy family will greet friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the church.

As a respected member of the community, he was born on February 25, 1932, in Tennille, to James Brantley Kennedy, Sr., and Gatsy Ophelia Webb Kennedy. James grew into a man of strong values, perseverance, and dedication.

After graduating from Tennille High School, he proudly served his country in the Army from 1954, stationed in Germany before being reassigned to Camp Stewart in Georgia. His love story began when he married Carol Ann Giles on September 16, 1955, while still serving in the Army. After an honorable discharge in 1956, James ventured into farming before pursuing higher education at the Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, Georgia, graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

James then began a career with the Georgia Highway Department that was marked by diligence and integrity, retiring in 1991 after thirty-four years of dedicated service. After retiring, he continued his passion for farming until the summer of 2023, raising cattle, row crops, and bailing hay, a testament to his relentless work ethic, perseverance, and love for the land.

James was a stickler for the rules, valued accountability, and was admired for his principled approach to life and work. His life was a testament to the values he held dear – family, hard work, and honesty. He treasured and enjoyed his church family at Piney Mount United Methodist. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, Georgia Tech football, and the Green Bay Packers, and he enjoyed Gun Smoke, cowboy movies and country music. In addition, many of his neighbors enjoyed vegetables grown in his garden that he would often distribute to them. He had six different dogs each named Jake and numerous cats each named Josie.

Above all, James cherished his family and was very proud of them. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he leaves behind a legacy of love and affection. He is survived by his loving wife of over sixty-eight years, Carol Ann Giles Kennedy; his three sons: James Brantley Kennedy, III (Kathy); Maynard Kennedy; and Alan Kennedy (Candace); eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Aaron Kennedy (Kristen) and their children Micah, Logan, and Leah; Joseph Kennedy; Paul Harlan (Sophia) and their children Karis and Lilly; Joseph Harlan; Lauren Harlan; Dallas Kennedy; Colton Kennedy (Taylor) and their sons Carter and Aiden; Jacob Kennedy (Abbey) and their children Tatum and Brooks; and two sisters: Annie Brickhouse and the late Sarah Jackson. His legacy of love and dedication will live on through his cherished family and the community that respected him deeply.

The Kennedy family extends their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. They invite friends and family to join in the celebration of his life. James's legacy will live on through his family, his work, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Piney Mount United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 575, Sandersville, Ga. 31082

Please leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.