James "Jim" Kennedy
June 27, 1950 ~ July 26, 2026
After a lifetime of composing and playing music, James (Jim) Lynn Kennedy, 76, went to join the angel band on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and is jamming with his guitar heroes even now.
Jim was born on June 27, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa, to Orville and Nellie Mae Kennedy. He grew up in Manchester and started his musical journey by playing trumpet in his high school band, however everything changed when he bought a Harmony guitar. This led to a long list of bands, gigs and recordings that corresponded with the beginning of the rock n roll era.
Jim grew up listening to his heroes such as Bill Haley & The Comets, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and others. He studied in Dubuque and eventually moved to Cedar Rapids where he earned his R&B chops by playing in an all-white band fronted by a powerful black singer. He released several original recordings and eventually developed an interest in orchestral music.
Jim pursued further education in music composition at Cornell College, which brought him to Mount Vernon and all of us. He eventually earned a position teaching jazz and guitar at Cornell. He later spent six years studying composition at the University of Iowa, developing his own style and forming The Heartland Consort, the group that would eventually would morph into James Kennedy and Friends.
He often mentioned an epic tour of Europe with his band as of one of his greatest career highlights, receiving a standing ovation from Bobby McFerrin during this tour while playing the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague.
His career also included decades of teaching, hundreds of students and thousands of hours perfecting his craft. He was well known for nurturing and developing the music of others, including many musicians in Eastern Iowa and throughout the state.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judy; grandparents; and his “sweet girls” Old English sheep dogs, Ruby, Jennifer, Emily, Dorothy, Sarah, Maggie, Caroline, and Elanor.
Jim leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Catherine; his niece, Julie (Jason) Hogan Wutzke; nephew, Brad Hogan; many cousins; great-nieces and nephews; and a catalogue of hundreds of pieces of original music.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Ambulance Service, Southeast Linn Community Center, or the music charity of your choice.
Finally, if you play any instrument, sing, whistle or even just “play the radio…” as he loved to say, “Play On!”
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So many of my memories of Cornell Jazz include Jim. Catherine, I hold space for you. Sending you comfort and peace in the silence.
I concur, Nancy.
Jim and I played in the rhythm section. Later, for years, we would see each other in town, usually me heading to work and Jim on his early morning walk. I last saw him just about a week ago and got a sweet smile and a wave. Little did I know it was to be the last.
Catherine I know he was the love of your life, and I am so sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss. I hope things are going smoothly. Glad to have known Jim and to have seen him in the spring. Good memories of many visits, and one time when the band played nearer Chicago (DeKalb, I think). 🎶
I met Jim when he joined the band Rock Salt.
I was a Roadie for the band and pretty tight with all the members, lived with the bass player (Mike Gordon)
Jim was a great guy, and one of the most technically proficient guitarist I’ve ever met.
PS Got to meet his first dog (Ruby) ❤️
Rest In Peace Brother 🎸🎼💫
Catherine
I am so sorry of the loss of Jim.
Tom talked about him throughout our life together.
I was so happy when I finally got to meet him.
I’m sure him and Tom will be playing music in heaven.
Many hugs.
Prayers for you and your family.
Teresa Miller
did not live near my family so I didn’t see much of my younger cousins. I was happy to connect with Jim in recent years through social media. I enjoyed his music and getting to know him better. His death will be recorded in the Kennedy Bible by his Aunt Edith. May he rest in peace. My sympathy to you, Catherine.
Marcy Lane Winistorfer, a cousin
Catherine, so sorry to hear about Jim, deepest condolences. ❤️ Todd, Genna and Kaylee
My heart goes out to you, Catherine, as you navigate the difficult days ahead without Jim by your side.
I first met Jim in 1976 when I began studying guitar with him. From the very beginning, he encouraged my playing, raw as it was, and led by example. He taught me not only how to play the guitar, but also how to truly listen. Through his patient guidance, he helped me trust my musical intuition and find my own voice as a musician.
I will miss our conversations, but I will always treasure the nearly fifty years of friendship, music, and fond memories we shared. His influence on my life will remain with me always.
A very sad day.
Sad to hear the news…..we played a lot of gigs together!
My thoughts and prayers are with Catherine.
“Play on” Jim.
Play on Jim! The world will miss you.
Okay I’m going to take you all back to Old School Jim. I grew up with the Kennedy family. Orville and Nelly May were my mom and dad’s best friends for many many years. We just live one block away. I remember Jim and his first start in his musical career. Well his career that included his guitar. He used to take his guitar and his best friend Ruby and walk all around Manchester stopping at all the parks sitting under a tree and just playing music. He was a very common sight for a long time in the Manchester area. If my memory serves me right, I believe he was the manager at the Castle Theater in Manchester. He walked there and home and he carried his guitar at all times. Used to love seeing him at the park right down the street from his house, Baum Park. We as kids would be hanging out in the park and listening to him playing music sitting under the tree. Many great memories of the Kennedy family! Rest in peace Jim! You’re going to be missed and loved by everybody in heaven!
Catherine so sorry for your loss! He was a good man! God rest his soul
It was an honor to play in Jim’s band. He always treated his band members with respect. Jim took fanatically good care of his instruments. If he allowed you to play one of his guitars, he made sure you weren’t wearing a belt buckle that could scratch the finish. Jim’s obsessive love of music rubbed off on all of us who spent time with him.