Jim Kennedy

Jim’s Story

Jimmie Dean Kennedy was born May 3, 1931, to Glenneth and Rosia (Duryea) Kennedy. He passed away at the age of 94, February 24, 2026 after a short stay in a memory care location in Kearney, Ne. Up to and until his passing he had enjoyed celebrating with generations of family.

Jim was the eldest of four boys followed by Cleve, Ronald and Larry. His early years were spent in and around Merna, Nebraska. Jim enjoyed band, lettered in basketball and track in high school. He graduated from Dunning High School in 1948 and attended Kearney State College. Jim served his country, choosing the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He rose quickly to the rank of Sargent and was a paratrooper in the 511th regiment during the Korean conflict. His brothers likewise chose to serve. In 1951, Jim married Donna Botts whom he had met in high school. He came back home to Dunning where he worked on the Swingle/Ericson cattle ranch. His dream was to own and operate his own ranch. He loved the outdoors and was willing to work long hours. He loved the challenge of creating, fixing and was meticulous. The opportunity came to move to Purdum where he drove truck for Harsh Mercantile and started building a small herd of cattle. The ranch dream started to take shape and with the help of Donna’s family, the purchase of the Greenland Ranch east of Purdum became a reality.

Jim enjoyed the haying, the horses, and the windmills. With the help of dedicated and resourceful neighbors, the old barn was torn down and repurposed into a calving barn. He took special pride in Old Joe, his Angus herd sire. Four children filled out the family and started the calf showing, horse riding, chores and enjoyment of the ranch life. Jim served on various community boards, school board which led to the building of the consolidated school, Sandhills Public. This reiterated his encouragement of his kids to get a skill or degree which would help secure their future. All four fulfilled that wish. Jim moved his family to Halsey, working on the Kenny Anderson ranch while maintaining part of his herd. He bought into a dirt moving company with Keith Harris which became known as Sandhills Construction (We will move the earth for you).

All through life Jim enjoyed being with his kids, grandkids and great grands and spent lots of time on the road camping, playing at the lake, attending performances, concerts, and ballgames. Later in life, Sharon Krikac joined him. They moved to Callaway. He gave up his special red “trike” and camper a few years ago though he often spent time tinkering on his pickup, cheering Husker sports and being useful in Ag projects with nearby daughter, Jeri.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Glenn, mother Rosia, two brothers Ronald and Larry, wife Donna. Surviving him are his brother Cleve(Donna) of Kearney, daughters Sherri (Dan)Schoenholz of Imperial, NE., Dr. Jeri (Clifford) Sterner of Merna, NE., sons Kelly (Sheila) Kennedy of Galena, KS., Brett (Luann) Kennedy of Yankton, S.D. Jim’s grandchildren: Justin (Heather) Schoenholz of Imperial, Ne., Dr. Erin (Nate) Pearson of St Joseph, MN., Jennifer (Tim) Hickenbottom of Callaway, Ne., Kellen Kennedy of Merna, Ne., Jamie (Jake) Jennings of Kearney, NE., Tucker Kennedy of Yankton, SD., Kolbi (Chris) Kinsley of Oro Valley, AZ., Kyndle Kennedy of Yankton, SD., Taeya Kennedy of Yankton, SD. Great grandchildren: Jolee, Ella, Shelby and Andee Schoenholz, Gabriel and Wesley Pearson, Callen and Parker Hickenbottom, Jack and Silas Jennings. Other survivors include Kelly’s stepdaughters Megan (Mike) Kielty, Katie (Keenan)Huppert and grandson Kye Huppert, sister-in-law Shirley Kennedy (Shoreview, MN), many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Cremation was chosen. Family honored with military inurnment at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. Visitation is to be held from 6-8 pm CT Friday, March 6, 2026, at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE.

 For those desiring to, please share memorials with the Blaine County Foundation.