James “Bones” Kenney, 77, of Davenport, FL passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of 57 years to Rose Christoforo Kenney. James was born in New Haven on January 17, 1938; son of the late Harry James Kenney and Dorothy Nagel Kenney McCormack. Jim taught math at Amity and North Haven High Schools for 35 years, and coached football and basketball. Jim was also owner of Verneris Quality Siding Company for 34 years. Bones was an accomplished athlete and member of the Notre Dame, ’54 undefeated football team and was an inductee into their Knights of Honor. He played football at Boston University, was the recipient of the prestigious John Pappas Award and later was inducted into the BU Hall of Fame and also honored by the New Haven Grid Iron Club. Jim and Rose raised their family in Northford. They enjoyed their retirement years in Davenport Florida and at their Lake house in Holland Mass, where he treasured times spent with his many friends. Jim was especially known for his 4th of July fireworks display. They also enjoyed traveling to Aruba, Mexico, Italy, Hawaii and many cruises. Jim loved to garden and his flowers were admired by many. Jim was also active in the catholic churches wherever he lived; past trustee of St. Monica’s Northford, member of Totoket Council Knights of Columbus. Father of Susan (Vera Levis) Kenney, James (Cindy) Kenney, Jr., Anne (John) Paine. Proud Gramps of Kaitlyn (Ensign) Kenney Simmons, Stephen Orts, James Kenney III (Fiancée Jessica Statkus), Stephanie Paine, Michael Orts, John Paine, Jr. and was a regular attendee at all of his grandchildren’s activities. Loving brother of Alan (Honora) Kenney. Brother-in-law of John and Pat Christoforo, Janet and Dan Schmitt, Louis and Lucille Fusco and Mary Carroll. The family would like to thank the staff of YNHH CICU, 5-1 for their compassionate care.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning, at 9:30am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Monica’s Church at 10 am. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund, 24 Ricardo St. West Haven, CT 06516.
Kate and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry to hear of Jims passing u r in our thoughts and prayers
Rose and family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's death! He was a special perswon and I know you will have many wonderful memories! May God give you comfort and strength at this difficult time!
Dear Rose: we are truly sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to you and your family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and help you through this time.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We share your loss. We loved Jim. He was a very important part of our High Vista family.
So sorry to here about Jim.he will be missed.
Although I didn't know Mr. Kenney, I heard a great deal of wonderful stories by his daughter Anne. I know he was a great man to raise a wonderful daughter. He will be missed by all. But never forgotten.
Dear Rose
We offer our sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this very sad time. God Bless all.
Sincerely
Ed & Karen Patchett
Dear Rose and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. The U-Conn girls basketball team has lost it's biggest fan and the High Vista community has lost a treasured friend.
We pray that the happy memories you all have of Jim help you through this time of sorrow.
God Bless you all.
Love,
Bill and Heather
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this trying time.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He will be missed. I am sorry I cannot not be there with you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. I will have masses said for him here in Florida this fall. Let me know Rose if you would like some help this summer and I will come to help you.
We are so sorry to hear that Jim has passed away. Since we were lucky enough to find High Vista, Jim and Rose have been such an important part of living here. We have such great memories of especially the early yrs here 18 yrs ago. We will so miss seeing him at the pool or just passing him and having a chat. We are so sorry for your loss Rose. He will be so missed.
I will always remember our years here together at High Vista. I wish love and God's speed to you and your family.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Rose and her family. Jim was the smiling face at the pool at High Vista in FL, speaking to all those around him. We always liked hearing him talk about his grandchildren, what they were doing especially in sports and how proud he was of them. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts are with you. He will be missed.
U were such an inspiration. Many of us are very successful in life because of you. Until we meet again…
So sorry to hear…He will truly be missed !! We are so honored to have be in the neighborhood !
Our sympathy to the family !
He was a great man. I had him for math class. Many lessons learned…. Thank you Mr.Kenney. God bless…
Rose,
We are thankful for the five plus years of knowing Jim at High Vista. We will always remember the good times and conversations at the pool. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
so incredibly sad that we have lost such an amazing and generous spirit. Mr. Kenney was my algebra teacher at north haven high school. He was unbelievably patient with me even though I know I frustrated the poor man! He encouraged me constantly and because of him I learned perseverance and hard work have a much better pay off than giving up. He definitely had a strong impact on my life and I will always remember his patience and kind words.
My condolences to the entire family. I had Mr. Kenny as a math teacher in 1974-75. Something he said in class has always stuck in my mind. I saw him about five or six years ago and mentioned it to him. It had nothing to do with math but a life lesson. I'll always remember it and always think of him. RIP Mr. Kenny.
Many happy memories of conversations in and around the pool at High Vista. We will keep him in our prayers.
I am sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rose and family:
My deepest heartfelt sympathy.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere sympathy is with the entire Kenney family. Jim was such a nice man. I have so many fond memories of him with both his family and as a teacher at NHHS. He was a wonderful husband, father & grandfather.
Our love to you all,
Terri & Jim Carey & boys
We are so sad to hear of Jim's passing. His beautiful lilies are in full bloom and paying him homage. I will stop there on Saturday a say a special prayer for all of you. We will miss his engaging conversations at the pool, here at High Vista.
Dear Rose & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time. Jim always had a smile on his face and will be sadly missed here at High Vista.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Mark was also saddened and shocked by the news. The good Lord will give you strength and courage during this most difficult of times
Mr Kenney was the most amazing teacher I ever had! He took a kid who thought she was stupid and taught me I was very smart at math. He also helped me to have confidence and always believe in myself.
My life is better because of him. I met him later on when i was looking for siding for my house, and Mr Kenney was standing at my door. He remembered me. What a wonderful man.
Im very sorry for his family's loss. He will be greatly missed and always remembered and loved by me.
With deepest sympathy on your loss Anne. You and your family are in my prayers at this sad and difficult time.
Anne I am very sorry to hear of your dads passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
"Those that we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday"
It was with great sadness when we heard of Jim's departure. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Anne and family,
Your father James must have been an amazing man. You are such an accomplished solid lady, and that comes from the seeds that your parents planted and fostered in you over the years. May good memories comfort you, and may the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you all from God our Holy Father.
Most Sincerely,
Mary Moberg at CHNCT
My deepest heartfelt sorrow to the entire Kenny family. Prayers to all of you for peace and comfort during this difficult time. God be with you all.
Rose and family,
God be with you all in your sorrow. Jim was a warm, happy man who told wonderful stories of grandchildren of his wonderful life.He will be missed.
So sorry to hear I Mr Kenny's passing. I had him for a teacher and I knew him through his brother Alan.my sincere sympathy he was a really nice man.
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
Dear Rose and family. We are sorry for your loss. Jim meant a lot to many High Vista residents. Dean remembers asking Jim to help get into the pool chair. He always said "yes lets go". Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
We are so pleased to have become part of your family. Jim quickly became dear to us and we share your loss. Our hearts are with you all.
Healing prayers for all! Deepest sympathy! Neighbor from High Vista.
Rose and family, We want to express our sincere sympathy for your loss. Jim was a great guy generous and always helping others. May The Lord Comfort you and give you strength.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Such a wonderful man and a real treasure to the High Vista community. He will be missed! May your many memories and God's loving arms embrace you and console and comfort you.
Rest in peace my friend. I will always remember your class in school you were a excellent teacher rest teacher rest
Our deepest sympathy on Jim's passing.We enjoyed his humor and his quick witt. A person like Jim would fill a room with his presence, and bring laughter wherever he went. Rose, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. God Bless.
Dear Rose: We are very sorry for the lost of your beloved Jim. Jim was a very unique person, we just loved him. Please give our condolence to your family. Well I guess I can't steal Jim's tomato's as he hide them away. He will be looking down on you, Rose, and your family Just take care and we'll be thinking of you and Jim.
While we did not know Jim very well, his reputation of decency, honesty & helping others was known by many. Our hearts go out to you, your children & grandchildren. His life is a tribute & model for your children & grandchildren to duplicate.
God Bless you & your family. I hope that in the future, youw ull return to HV – where you & your hubby have many fond wishes.
During this time of sadness may you find comfort in the sympathy expressed by your friends and love ones.
Rose, our thoughts and many prayers are with you and your family. This was such
sad news to hear. Will says prayers at our church on Sunday for Jim. Rest In Peace Jim. You will be missed!
Extremely shocked at you're lose spent many a day at High Vista in the pool shooting the breeze with Jim.Rose would like to extend our sympathy to both you and your family and also let you know that our prayers are with you
Jim and I were college basketball buddies. EVERY TIME we met we talked basketball; Connecticut basketball although I went to Marquette. I will miss our times together, terribly,
Rose & Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. John & I will miss his big smile and the many talks we had at High Vista. May God comfort you at this most difficult time.
I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Kenney's passing. He was my Consumer Math teacher in 1976, such a patient man. Mr. Kenney was the teacher you could always turn to, 30 plus years later I still have frequently spoken fondly of him. If I had to say I had a favorite he sure was the one. May your family hold your memories close to your heart and know that this wonderful man touched so many lives in his years at North Haven High School.
Our deepest sympathy to Rose and Jim's wonderful family. He will be deeply missed.
We will personally miss his compassion for life, family, teaching and coaching.
We thank Jim for his friendship and for all of the gifts that he brought to teachers, parents and students in North Haven.
Mr. Kennel was my math teacher in High school. Great teacher. Such a loss, my condolences go out to his Wife & family at this Sad time.
i remember Mr. Kenney as my teacher at North Haven High, fondly. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences.
Jim, several days ago, here in your Florida home, you told us how tired you were- so exhausted that…. "Last night I fell asleep before I could finish my prayers!"
That simple statement you made gave me a new glimpse into the soul of the man I thought I knew most of his life.
I knew the things you struggled with in situations you could no longer fight or argue your way through….now you were going north to sell that family lake home that you -above all others- loved so much.
But, in the end, you knew to turn to your Savior for the strength only He could give you…Now I know He heard those prayers you were trying to say before you fell asleep…
Rest in peace, dear brother-in-law….rest in peace.
Sue,
I have such fond memories of your Mom and Dad's visits to BC and the tail gaits when we were in college. Your Dad was such a nice man. My condolences to your entire family especially your dear Mom.
Jane
I had Mr. Kenney for Consumer Math at North Haven High School. He was a great Teacher and made learning a fun experience. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Dear Rose,
My deepest sympathies.
It was just a week ago that we shook hands goodbye for the summer and looked forward to meeting up again in the fall.
Jim was an absolutely great neighbour in High Vista who I will always have fond memories of.
We had many great discussions and he was always interested in my jet skiing.
God bless you and your family.
Dear Rose We will certainly miss him like so many other people who got to know both you and Jim. You both are such a great asset to our community. We first met you and Jim through the Irish Day dinners you would put on, and we miss that, too. Len says he enjoyed Jim's company at the pool, playing cards, and talking about UCONN Huskies, You are in our thoughts & prayers also.
Truly a great character whose booming presence flowed in every entrance and exit he made. For forty three years and counting, his shadow for me – then and still now – is cast with the unique life-force of his love and affection.
…………
As an infant, I was given a specific blessing that the Holy Spirit ushered and ordained: Godparents by the name of Rose and Jim. Together they gave unto my life a current – a charge – a hearty, dynamic pulse that flowed from every visit to and from their life. The blessings of that time, once a norm in our family and society, were the large family gatherings. From my vantage point, Rose and Jim’s presence were cornerstones in countless discussions & stories that captivated my attention. Being a predominately Italian family, yes the volume was loud, but when Jim and Rose got going – they held court until Uncle Jim (always to my disappointment and dismay) summoned Aunt Rose to leave. When I did begin to participate, to my joy I learned, if I asked questions and probed deeper upon the topics they were on, I could delay his departure.
………………….
Certainly, such a life that’s celebrated is one that will be missed! At times like these, I wish my memory was that of my Dad’s so I could saunter and stroll down these memory lanes, but I’m configured differently. I see a realm beyond the details: A place where creature meets Creator: A place where words are weak and useless: Here Love penetrates into the soul of our existence: This, the sole purpose of being – of LOVE’s giving and receiving.
“No matter what this world hoists upon our hearts and minds – be strong in all that we know exists; all that truly matters and is of worth, like love, too often slips through life’s embrace like sand through our busy, hurried hands. The sand, like love, isn’t to be grasped – but to be bound and pressed together – holding up life’s waters.”
So as I remember the love: HIS and those given as anchors upon life’s journey, Thank you Rose and Jim! Your pressed together sacramental union has held for me, many
life-giving waters of love and joy!
An Eternity of Love,
Your Godson and nephew Jack
We will all miss you. Our children really enjoyed being around their uncle Jim-never knowing what to expect.
As the Irish saying goes, "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal". Thankfully, you gave us many of the latter.
From one Irish outlaw to the other…"until we meet again, may God hold you in the Palm of His Hand". love, Pat
Rose and Family, We send our deepest condolences and will keep you all in our prayers.
WOW! What a terrific bio on Jim ,. He was certainly quite an accomplished athlete, traveler, and most important father and grandfather. He did not waste the gifts that God gave to him.
Our deepest sympathy to Rose and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I enjoy seeing the flowers Jim planted in your yard in High Vista as I walk the dogs everyday. We have fond memories of Jim on Ridge View Drive where his memory will live on. God give you comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Dear Rose and Family, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We talked to him at the pool just
before you left. High Vista will miss one of it's BEST GUYS. He always had time to talk to
about Connecticut sports. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers..
Rose thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jim. Was a great man.
Cindy, Jim and family, Thinking of you during these difficult days. Remember all the smiles and good times and your father will never be gone from your lives.
So sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed. You and your family are in my prayers. Ed
Our sincere sympathy to you Rose and to your family. May the wonderful memories you've shared comfort you today and always.
The world lost a great one, we both worked many years with Jim and what a real pleasure it was. He will be missed by many in this world and we are among the saddest. Our condolences to all of his family. Again the world will miss him.
My deepest condolence
Troy Walker
North Haven so, High class of 1988
Rose: The best to you and your entire family. I will miss Jim's wit and Bingo won't be the same without him. We are with you in spirit. May God bless you. We hope you will return to your family here at High Vista.