James “Jim” Sheldon Kennedy, beloved family man, cherished friend, and veteran teacher, has died at the age of 60.
Jim was born in Redding at Memorial Hospital on Feb.25, 1951 to Larry and Carolyn Kennedy. He was the third of their four children and had a stable and happy childhood on Greenwood Heights, playing kick the can, riding bicycles, and building forts in the gully adjacent to the family home.
Jim attended Magnolia and Sequoia schools, and graduated from Shasta High School in 1969. While in high school, he excelled in track and drama.
As a kid, Jim was happiest skateboarding, snow skiing, water skiing and boating. He was, in fact, such a water enthusiast that he had a small outboard motor strapped to his bedpost during his teen years. Later, his passion for the outdoors led him to snowboarding, hang gliding, motorcycle riding and rollerblading on the Sacramento River Trail.
Jim was in San Diego bartending and drifting through the 1970s when he met graphic artist Julie Winterscheidt. They were married in 1985. After they returned to Redding, Jim tended bar at the Post Office Saloon. With Julie’s encouragement, he earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at Chico State University in 1987. Some years later the tables turned and Jim encouraged Julie to pursue a teaching credential, which she earned in 1994.
His career in the Redding School District spanned almost 25 years and included stints at Cypress Elementary School and Turtle Bay Elementary School. At the time of his death, he was teaching second and third graders at Bonny View Elementary School. His classrooms were enriched by his irrepressible personality and creative use of video technology. Despite his many years of teaching, Jim would often be found at school on weekends preparing lessons. A kid at heart, he loved children and understood how to motivate, entertain and inspire them.
His jovial and kind nature trumped any intimidation his 6-foot-4-inch frame might have created; people were drawn to him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed deep friendships and was an affable and engaged neighbor.
Jim Kennedy, far right, posed for pictures with neighbors who'd participated in the 2010 Garden Tract clean-up day.
He scoffed at hypocrisy and pretension and loved word play, dancing and making people laugh. He delighted in family. He was a heroic caregiver to his mother during her years of decline, a cherished “Uncle Dune,” a lifetime partner and friend to his siblings, and a devoted husband. But most notably, he was a magnificent father, giving his two daughters a childhood of adventure and unconditional love, encouraging them to live their lives with gusto and integrity.
Jim died as large as he lived. During his Thanksgiving break from school, he and friends were hang gliding when he experienced a sudden cardiac event. He managed to land safely but collapsed soon after. Efforts to resuscitate were unsuccessful.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Winterscheidt, daughters Erin Kennedy of San Diego and Elliott Kennedy of Eugene, Oregon, sister Anne Kennedy Peterson of Redding, brothers Steve Kennedy of Redding, and Matthew Kennedy of San Francisco; nephews Alex Peterson and JT Kennedy; and nieces Carrie Peterson-Kirby and Maggie Kennedy. The family requests no flowers. Contributions can be made to the Jim Kennedy Memorial River Trail Fund at the Shasta Regional Foundation, 1335 Arboretum Dr., Suite B, Redding, CA 96003. The fund will be used to help maintain and improve the Sacramento River Trail, which Jim loved.
All who knew him—of any age– are invited to come and dance at a family-friendly rock-and-roll celebration of his life on Dec. 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Redding Elks Club, 250 Elk Dr. Redding, CA.
