James Earl Kennedy, 83, of Screven, Ga. died Sunday, January 5, 2025. The Wayne County native was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and a retired 29-year U.S. Army Veteran 1SG. He enjoyed wrestling, football and golf.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Sandra F. Kennedy.

Survivors are his wife, Patricia Smith Kennedy of Screven; 2 daughters, Margo Kennedy of Apex, NC and Sandy Ann Hayes (Tiny) of Jesup; grandson, James E. (Liz) Michael of Jesup; step daughter, Rebecca (Brad) Thornton of Screven; 2 step grandsons, Wesley and Zachary Thornton; special friends, Kyle, Carla and Justin Stueber of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Bohannon officiating. Private interment will be held in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church,  730 S. Macon Street Jesup, GA 31545  or to Affinis Hospice, 1705 Boulevard Square, Waycross, GA 31501

Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.