~~James Kennedy, 91, of Chatham Township, passed away at his home on October 5th. A Memorial Service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, 240 Southern Blvd, Chatham, on Thursday, October 9th at 12:30pm. Visiting hours at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Chatham will be on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm.
Born and raised in Belfast Northern Ireland, James came to the United States aboard the SS Asbury Victory in 1946. He would serve in the U.S. Army during WWII and the peacetime occupation of Korea. James first settled in Newark, then in 1954 built his own home in Chatham. He had worked for 34 years with Bell Labs in New Providence, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. An instrument and tool maker, James worked on Telstar, the first US communication satellite put in space, as well as the precision parts that were part of the first high speed camera that is currently in the Smithsonian. He was a 65 year member of the Madison Lodge #93 F. & A. M. and a charter member of the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township where he sang in the choir. James was an avid sports fan, especially the Yankees. He was a skilled wood carver and loved singing and playing the tin whistle. He will be fondly remembered for his Irish gift of gab, and the stories and tales that he would tell.
James was the beloved husband of 65 years to the late Bertha. He was the loving father of Cathy Schopp (Ken), Brian Kennedy (Marion) and Robert Kennedy (Mary). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Caitlin Hutchison (Brian), Matthew Schopp (Leigh), Nora Strickler (John), Rae Kennedy, James Kennedy and Kelly, Bonnie, and Casey Kennedy and great grandson, Declan Hutchison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township Deacon’s Fund.