James Richard Kennedy

James Richard Kennedy, 91, and lifelong resident of Frederick, MD, passed from this life early Tuesday morning, April 25th, 2023 in his home.  He was born at home on 17 South Jefferson Street on the 29th of September, 1931. He was the son of Francis Leo and Floranzo Victoria (Marsh) Kennedy.  His family later moved to Church Street where he attended St. John’s School and served as an altar boy at the church.  After graduating in 1950, he enlisted in the US Marines and is an Atomic veteran, serving until 1954. He was in the trenches in Yucca Flat, Nevada while atomic bomb tests were being conducted.

Upon his return he began his Federal Government service and worked at Fort Detrick from 1954-1970, the Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons from 1970-1974, Bolling Air Force Base from 1974-1979, where he retired from Federal service and began his local government service with the Frederick County Department of Engineering from 1980 to 1997.

In 1957 his friend set him up on a blind date with his wife’s friend where he met the love of his life, Johnna Lee, or more affectionately, ”Johnnie”, who survives  him. They married 6 months later. He is survived by his beloved wife, Johnna Lee; his daughters, Kara Lee and significant other, Denver Harvey, Jami Marie Clevenger and husband, Keith Clevenger; grandson, Brian Lee Burtner, and grandddaughter, Megan Renee Rippeon and husband, Cody, two great-grandchildren, Gregg Leo and Alexander  Robert; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters; and his grandson, Gregg Allen Brake.

A Memorial gathering will be held at Stauffer Funeral Home located at 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. 21702 from      4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2nd with a remembrance celebration of life to follow at one of his favorite places, the American Legion located at 1450 Taney Avenue Frederick, MD. There will also be a Catholic Memorial Mass held on Wednesday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 112 E. Second Street, Frederick, MD. 21701 followed military honors at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made in his name to St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 or the Francis Scott Key Post 11 American Legion, 1450 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702.