James J. Kennedy, age 88, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc.

Jim was born April 1, 1936 in Manitowoc, son of the late Edward and Caroline (Janda) Valibile. He was a proud United States Navy and Army veteran, serving in Korea from 1952-1953, Vietnam from 1968-1970, Desert Storm from 1991-1992, and Mogadishu, Somalia from 1993-1994. Jim also served as a Chief Engineer with the Merchant Marines. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and loved to help people. Jim knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and spoke of him often in conversation.

Jim is survived by his niece and his many friends, including Pastor Jeremy Vance, Dan Kummer, Alex Jennings, Paul Resch, and Carla Nicolas; as well as his military friends and family. He was preceded in death by his sister, many friends, and many of his military family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Faith Church, 2201 South 42nd Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Jeremy Vance. Military honors will be accorded at the church by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731. Jim will be laid to rest at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc.

Friends and family may gather for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Faith Church, Manitowoc.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting with Jim's funeral services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

Jim's friends and family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Jeremy Vance and Faith Evangelical Free Church; as well as the staff of Aurora Medical Center, Green Bay VA Health Center, and Froedtert Holy Family Memorial, especially Jessica, for the care and compassion shown to Jim.