James Delna Kennedy

James Delna Kennedy Mr. Kennedy passed away Monday, March 27, 2006 at his home in Charlotte, NC at the age of 71. The son of the late James Able Kennedy and Leora Myrtle Hinson Kennedy of Locust, NC, Jim was raised in Concord. After high school, he joined the Air Force in the early 50s and spent time in Germany restoring communication lines across the country. Upon finishing the Air Force, Jim returned to North Carolina and attended Wingate College and Wake Forest University, where he majored in History and Theatre, and received his 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. Upon the completion of his undergraduate work, Jim moved to Stanly County and began a teaching career that would last 36 years. He began teaching at Stanfield and Locust Elementary schools, and then transferred to West Stanly High School in 1971, where he spent the rest of his career. Over the years, he taught numerous courses as well as coached football and baseball, but he will be best remembered for founding the popular West Stanly Players, the school's drama department. Jim was a deeply committed educator and theatre artist. He was gregarious, passionate and relentless in his pursuit of perfectionism in the classroom and in the theatre. He was most happy when he was working to help young people discover their own God-given potential and talents and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Through his teaching and work in the community, he made a lasting impact and will be remembered by students and colleagues alike. Jim was a talented athlete and enjoyed playing golf around the country. He was a deeply devoted father and husband, and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Kennedy, of Oakboro; his sons, Ashley York and Byron Delane Kennedy; their wives, Susanna Falk and Saowarak Makawatsakul; and his granddaughters, Philippa Falk Kennedy and Zoe Fahsai Kennedy. He is also survived by his siblings, Paul Kennedy, Martha Sparks, Betty June Howell, and Leona Kennedy. The family will receive friends at a memorial held in his name at West Stanly High School, Hwy. 24/27, Oakboro, NC on Saturday, April 1, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the James D. Kennedy Dramatic Scholarship Fund, 29013 Jordan Pond, Albemarle, NC 28001. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements. Published in the Charlotte Observer on 3/30/2006.