Passing of the Late James Bernard “Jimmy” Kennedy
It is with great sadness that Hockey NL announces the passing of the late James Bernard “Jimmy” Kennedy, member of the NL Hockey Hall of Fame. Jimmy passed peacefully away in the presence of his family and close friends on February 1, 2019 at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Centre, Botwood, James Bernard (Jimmy) Kennedy of Bishop’s Falls at the age of 83 years. Jimmy retired from CN in 1994, and spent his retirement, like most of his life, involved in everything that reflected his passion for the game of hockey, and voluntary service for his beloved home town of Bishop’s Falls.
Jimmy Kennedy is a member of the NL Hockey Hall of Fame, having played on seven Herder Memorial Trophy championship teams, 4 with Conception Bay Ceebees, 2 with Corner Brook Royals and one with Grand Falls Cataracts. His coaching career was equally successful, coaching the Bishop’s Falls Express to league championship in the Intermediate Hockey League, and high school hockey in Bishop’s Falls where his teams won medals in many provincial competitions. His love of the game led him to coach minor hockey as well- both boys and girls, and he was loved by all with whom he was involved.
Jimmy’s volunteerism is one of enduring legacies, involving the Lions Club, Come Home Year Committee in 2000, Centennial Committee in 2009, Max Simms Camp, Trestle Light up Committee, and countless winter carnivals from the very beginning. His passion for the outdoors was equal in interest and he was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoors man, camper and friend to all he met.
Predeceased by his dear wife, Minetta (Fudge), son, Jimmy, Jr., parents Pearl (Robinson) and William Kennedy, and 2nd mother, Lulu (Smith); mother and father in law, Pierce and Dorothy Fudge; sister Ann, brothers Woodrow, David & Bruce.
Left to mourn are daughter Jennifer, son Paul (Audrey) Kennedy, grandchildren Joshua, Jenna and Jacob. Also leaving to mourn are sisters Doreen (Mark) Donovan, Tinny, Elaine (Perry) West, Susan (Joe) Power, Sherry (Wayne) Kelly, and Dana (Barry) Wheeler; brothers – Ray (Marion). Abe (Karen), Gordie (Maureen), George (Lorraine), John (Linda), Paul (Laurie Lynn), and Rex (Lynette); and some very special friends – members of the Olde Express hockey team; Murray Kearley, Barry “Socky” Saunders, and George Saunders; as well as scores of children, teens and adults of Bishop’s Falls, who all called him Coach and Friend. RIP
Majors David & Wavey Chaulk will conduct the funeral service from The Salvation Army Citadel, Bishop’s Falls on Tuesday, February 5th at 1 PM. Interment will follow at The Salvation Army Cemetery. Pallbearers are his brothers; Ray, Abe, George, John, Paul & Rex. Honorary pallbearers are brothers-in-law; Mark Donovan & Wayne Kelly, friends Barry Saunders & Kirk McDonald.