James Paul Kennedy passed away on November 24, 2025.

James Paul Kennedy was born on September 7, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, to John Michael Kennedy and Mary Magdalene Green. He was the youngest sibling to Jack and Beverly.

He graduated from Washburn University, where he met and married Carol Funk shortly thereafter. He moved his young family to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1971 for his work as a chemical salesman. Jim was the father of Greg, Dan, Eric, and Chris. He spent a great deal of time with his sons in Boy Scouting, with two of them achieving Eagle Scout rank.

In 1977, Jim purchased an Army/Navy Surplus store in Grandview, Missouri, changing the name to Outdoor Sales, which he ran successfully for three decades. Jim married Barbara Jean Ristow in 1985 and became the adoptive father to Alissa and Garrett. Jim and Barbara enjoyed 40 years of marriage until his passing and were parishioners at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for all 40 years together.

Jim will be remembered as a kind and loving man, quick with a smile and a laugh. He leaves behind a large family, including six children and their spouses, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 3, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W 103rd Street, Overland Park, KS.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or Peace Out Cancer.