James W. Kennedy

Middletown...James W. Kennedy, 91, of rural Middletown, passed away on July 14, 2007 at St. Johns Medical Center in Anderson. He was born to Charley and Mary (Funkhouser) Kennedy on March 16, 1916 just north of Sulphur Springs in Henry County and had lived within a few miles of there his whole life. He attended Honey Creek and Sulphur Springs schools. He married Margaret Huser on December 18, 1937. She proceeded him in death just 6 weeks ago on June 3, 2007.He worked at Muncie Gear in the early 1940's and met there his four partners that would buy The Yorktown Tool and Die Company in 1947. He retired on his birthday in March of 1986 when he was 70 years old. He was a master toolmaker and loved working with all kinds of machinery and tools making unique things for his friends and family.He is survived by his daughter: Sharon (Mike) Cookman of Anderson, sons: Gary (Treva) of Middletown and David (Kathy) of Muncie. Also surviving are grandchildren: Kevin (Noel) Cookman of Racine, WI, Michelle Cookman of Racine, WI, Chad (Tammy) Kennedy of Anderson, Lanny (Casendra) Kennedy of Anderson, Lori (Dave) Knox of Noblesville, Kyle Kennedy of Chicago, and Jeremy Mohler of Muncie. He has five great grandchildren: Kameron James Kennedy and Allison Kennedy, Forrest and Molly Cookman and Shaylee Kennedy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sisters: Martha and Charlotte, brother: Donald Lee and sister: Nellie Deloris Schneider and granddaughter: Yvette Kennedy.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Kevin Cookman officiating.Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery, east of Middletown.Friends may call on Wednesday from noon until the time of the services.We would like to thank all those who have been so kind to him: Middletown EMS, St. Johns ER, 3rd Floor nurses and staff, Dr. Harp, caregivers:Mary Miller and family, Pam Fadely, Chuck and Merrily Lowe and special nieces: Kathy Schneider.Memorials may be made to the Middletown EMS, Box 1, Middletown, IN 47356Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com