Founder of West Stanly Players directed many actors

By B.J. Drye, News Editor
CNHI News Service

Thursday, March 30, 2006— The man who influenced hundreds of aspiring young actors in Stanly County has died.James D. “Jim” Kennedy, the founder and director of West Stanly Players for nearly 30 years, died early Monday morning. He was 71.While arrangements were expected to be kept mostly private, a memorial program is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday in the theatre at West Stanly High School. Speakers will include former students and friends, including Wayne Sasser, Ken Eudy, John Rosenthal and Wes Tucker. Songs will be sung and memories of Kennedy shared.Tucker, who studied under Kennedy, took over as director of the Players upon Kennedy’s retirement in 1997.“Jim impacted many lives, through his teaching, his love of theatre and his general love of life,” Tucker said.“He will continue to impact many lives through those of us that were fortunate to share a little time with him on his journey.”Born Dec. 20, 1934, Kennedy was raised in Concord. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he would help restore communication lines in post-war Germany. Upon completion of his Air Force duty, Kennedy returned to North Carolina, where he would attend Wingate College and Wake Forest University. Majoring in history and theatre, he receive a bachelor of arts degree. He later attended Duke University Graduate School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he received his masters in education.An educator for 36 years, Kennedy began his teaching career at Locust and Stanfield Elementary schools. In addition to drama, he often coached football and baseball teams.During his reign as leader of the West Stanly Players from 1970 to 1997, Kennedy directed nearly 40 productions, many times producing three plays per year. He began with “Flowers For Algernon” in 1971.Musicals were often the chosen genre during Kennedy’s tenure, but other depictions of plays popularized on stage and film were also portrayed.Davee Troublefield, now a nationally known makeup artist based in Atlanta, called Kennedy “a great man who had a huge influence on my life.”“He recognized something in me that I did not even know was there and gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself through my talent,” said Troublefield, a 1997 graduate of West Stanly High.Troublefield was chosen for a role in “Fried Green Tomatoes” his freshman year.“This was a milestone in my life because it gave me not only confidence in myself, but a new found passion that has followed me to where I am today,” Troublefield said. “I give Jim much credit for his quick wit, vast knowledge of the theatre, and his passion for excellence. I have taken his passion for excellence and made it part of my whole life mission.“The West Stanly Players never put on a show under Jim’s direction that was anything less than perfect. From sets to costumes to lights, Jim paid close attention to detail and I find that a must in this industry.”Tucker reports that Kennedy never missed a West Stanly Players production in the 35 year history of the organization. “As his health declined over the past few months, he was upset at not being able to get out more, especially with the upcoming spring show,” Tucker said. “I like to think that now he will be able to be a part of it.”While he won’t be there physically, Tucker believes Kennedy will be smiling down from up above.Kennedy is survived by his wife, Jean, of Oakboro, sons Ashley York Kennedy and Byron Delane Kennedy, grandchildren and siblings.A dramatic scholarship fund has been set up in his name. Contributions may be sent to James D. Kennedy Dramatic Scholarship Fund, 29013 Jordan Pond, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Productions By Jim Kennedy·Flowers for Algernon (1971)·Picnic (1972)·Half a Six Pence (1973)·Our Town (1974)·Look Homeward Angel (1975)·Salute to Broadway (1975)Hello Dolly (1976)·Tea House of the August Moon (1977)·A Tribute to the King (Elvis) (1977)·The Wizard of Oz (1978)·Love is a Miracle (1979)·Music USA (1979)·Arsenic and Old Lace (1980)·West Stanly Players in Concert (1980)·The Pleasure of His Company (1981)·Sounds of Carolina (1981)·Elvis in Concert (1981)·Butterflies are Free (1982)·Of Mice and Men (1982)·Billboard's Best (1982)·Scrooge (1982)·Billboard's Best Act II (1983)·Grease (1984)·America in Song (1984)·A Tribute to Judy Garland (1984)·Beach Blast "85" (1985)Yesterday, Today & Forever concert (1985)·The King and I (1986)·Music Man (1987)·Mame (1988)·West Side Story (1989)·You Can't Take it with You (1990)·Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will (1991)·Steel Magnolias (1992)·Summer Brave (1993)·Fried Green Tomatoes (1994)·The Curious Savage (1995)·On Borrowed Time (1996)·Crimes of the Heart (1997)