Jeffrey Edward Kennedy passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 in his home with his wife by his side in West Memphis, Arkansas. He was born on November 30, 1941 in Utica, New York, to Luella Kennedy Homer.

In 1965, Jeff graduated with a B.A. in history from Gordon College in Massachusetts. While there, he met his dear wife of fifty-seven years, Sharon Kennedy.

After graduation, Jeff and Sharon relocated to Greenview, Illinois, where he served as a teacher and coach for eleven years. After a renewed calling to ministry, he attended Lincoln Seminary and preached at local churches. He was willing to give up his sports and focus on the Lord, the church, and his family.

In 1977, he accepted a pastorate in Bone Gap, Illinois. He had twelve wonderful years of ministry in this rural farming community. In that small church, he was the preacher, youth leader, counselor, bulletin printer, communion filler, and anything else that needed done - a true servant! But his biggest love was preaching and working with the kids. During this time sports came back into his life in a different way: playing tennis with his beloved daughters, golf with church members, church league basketball, and eventually co-ed volleyball with his two daughters (when he was almost 50). He loved all sports and became the biggest fan and encourager for his daughters throughout their high school sports.

In 1989, Jeff became the pastor of Assumption Christian Church in Assumption, Illinois. With a similar purpose of evangelism and discipling believers, he continued his ministry there for more than twelve years.

In 2002, Jeff left the Midwest for California to serve with his son-in-law at First Baptist Church, Barstow, and then at Helendale Community Church. They enjoyed serving together in ministry for thirteen years.

He eventually retired to West Memphis, where he participated in the nursing home ministry, started a card ministry, and filled the pulpit on occasion while attending Calvary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather. He is survived by his wife Sharon and their two daughters: Shelley Morgan (and her husband Chris) of Highland, California, and Robin Kennedy of Marion. They also have four grandchildren: Ashley McGuire (age 32) of West Memphis, Chelsey Morgan (age 15) of Highland, CA, Caleb Carter (age 11) and Kylee Carter (age 8), both of Marion. He is also survived by his one and only cousin, Margaret (Peggy) Parsons of Washington, DC.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in West Memphis, AR on Thursday, February 10th at 2pm. Visitation will start an hour before the service at 1pm.

Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022 in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption, Illinois.

The family would like all donations to go to the Jeff Kennedy Endowment, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. All donations given to this endowment will be matched by an anonymous donor and then again by the university (so four times the original gifts). The endowment will be used to help ministry students.