Jim "J.R." Kennelly, 72, Escanaba, Michigan
ESCANABA — Jim “J.R.” Kennelly, 72, of 1600 S. 30th St., died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at his home in Escanaba, of an apparent heart attack.
Jim was born Dec. 11, 1935, in Escanaba, the son of Ralph and Ellsie (Carlson) Kennelly. He was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School.
Following high school, Jim went to work for the Chicago North Western Railroad before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp, serving from 1954 to 1957. Throughout his enlistment, Jim received medals of accommodation, which included, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Upon his discharge from the Marine Corp, Jim returned to Escanaba where he continued to work for the Chicago North Western Railroad, eventually retiring as a railroad engineer after 40 plus years of employment.
Jim was a very active individual who enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, swimming and dancing. In addition, Jim loved to ride his motorcycle and take trips to the casino. He will be deeply missed.
Jim leaves to survive: his life companion: Nancy Way of Escanaba; two sons, Shane (Nicole Doherty) Kennelly of Green Bay, Randy Larscheid of LaPalma, Calif.; three daughters, Kara (Robert) Larsen of Combined Locks, Wis., Cindi Larscheid of Kimberly, Wis., Christy Larscheid-Jones of Redondo Beach, Calif.; sister, Marilyn “Butchie” (Tom) Coyne of Escanaba; and five grandchildren, Jacob, Kylie, Emily, Dylan and Devin. Also listed among the surviving family is Jim’s former wife and mother of his children, Sue Kennelly of Appleton, Wis., and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jim’s parents, Ralph and Ellsie, preceded him in death.
The Kennelly family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jim “J.R.” Kennelly will follow visitation at 6 p.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church of Gladstone officiating.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Kennelly family with arrangements.
