James “Jim” Harold Kennedy passed away on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024 at the age of 82, in his hometown of Colorado Springs. His short, but courageous stay in the hospital was made lighter by the constant care of his immediate and extended family. His passing on Father’s Day holds a significant and relevant opportunity for remembrance.
Jim spent his life dedicated to a sense of purpose, responsibility and honesty. He was born in Pueblo in 1942 to Fae and Harold Kennedy. Growing up with older sister Elaine and younger brother John, Jim always strove to put his love of math and science to a practical and lucrative purpose. He earned his master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Denver, and his career in petroleum engineering saw such diverse locations as Colorado, California, Texas, England, Scotland and Alaska, before retiring in Colorado Springs in 1998.
He met the love of his life, and wife of 62 years, Reveille, on a working ranch in Wyoming in 1960, and they were married within a year. They had five children within 6 years, who they instilled with the values of wisdom, commitment, perseverance and love.
He is survived by his wife Reveille, his brother John, children Brent, Scott, Kathy, Kristi and Jack, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
Jim will be honored in a celebration of life at St. Paul Catholic Church on July 15, 2024, at 11 AM, followed by a reception at the adjoining Julie Penrose Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rocky Mountain PBS or the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society on his behalf.
Mike and Rita Morneau
22 Jun 2024Will always remember Jim with great fondness and respect. In addition to being classmates, we played football together at Pueblo Catholic High’s state champion team. Also, we were both in chemistry class at Pueblo Junior College, where I recall Jim excelling as I struggled with some of the experiments, while he breezed through them with his meticulous, precise approach. My favorite memory was when he and I teamed up to win the football team’s chicken fighting competition, We had a bye week awaiting the state championship game, so among other things, coach Parsons had us pair up, one on the shoulders of the other, and then attempt to knock or pull the others pairs down. The last pair standing were the victors. Jim was on my shoulders, and his role was grappler. My job was to maintain balance and keep us upright. He was the arms while I was the legs. Anyway, after twenty five or so teams clashed in a violent melee, when the dust cleared, Jim and I were the only pair standing. Great fun.
Rest in the arms of the Lord, Jim
Reveille Kennedy
24 Jun 2024Thank you so much for that great memory. I never knew about it! I can only imagine what fun that was and how tough you were. I will miss him too!
Rufie & Michael Harr
25 Jun 2024Deep and heartfelt condolences to all of your family. ♥️
What a gift to find both you and Jim … family, during our years in Alaska. We are so glad you quickly realized and made the connection that we were related. You were the best hosts and so loving. I can still hear Jim’s laugh when something amused him. We treasure all the holidays at your home and all the time we had together.
What a gift that we got to meet your beautiful family then and over the years.
We are blessed.
Find comfort in our rich faith and in God’s love. We will be together again.
Sending a warm embrace.
Reveille Kennedy
3 Jul 2024Ruffy, we were so lucky to find you and Mike! It was a fun time in Alaska when we were younger and you were just babes. Thank you for sharing that memory!
John & Gina Panepinto
25 Jun 2024I had lost track of Jim until one day when he came into my pharmacy with his mother to pick up her prescription. So I invited him to join the “lunch bunch” PCH Class of ’60 alums. He joined us on Thursdays ( weather permitting) in Pueblo for about the last 18 or more years, We are a chatty group and we sometimes teased Jim because he was intent on EATING LUNCH not talking. When he did join in, he always had great stories from Alaska and England. My last phone conversation with him was while he was still in the hospital recovering. He was upset that they would not serve him his favorite Chicken Fried steak dinner even though it was on the menu.
His family was always his main focus. I will miss him and his quiet spirit. May he rest in peace.