Jan 16, 2018

Dr. James Ray Kennedy, Ph.D., 85, of Edinboro, died Saturday, January 13, 2018, in UPMC-Hamot hospital, Erie.

He was born January 25, 1932, in California, a son of the late James and Katherine Kennedy.

Dr. Kennedy was a 1953 graduate of California State College, now California University of Pennsylvania, and later received his master’s degree and doctorate from University of Pittsburgh.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Dr. Kennedy started his career teaching general science at California Community High School in 1955 and, after four years, became the guidance counselor for three years. In 1963, he left the high school and became a professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, until his retirement in 1987.

During high school and college, he excelled at playing basketball and was inducted into California High School Sports Hall of Fame and California University of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He was a coach, mentor and friend to many at both the high school and college level.

Dr. Kennedy was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Edinboro. He was also on the Board of Directors for Rainbow for Girls and received the Grand Cross of Colors Award.

He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church of Edinboro, where he served as an elder and a past deacon.

Deceased are a brother, William Kennedy and wife Zana; a brother in law, Clarence “Jitz” Higinbotham; and his in-laws, William “Gale” and Mary “Edna” Snyder.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Wanita S. Kennedy; three daughters, Terri (Richard) Lyons of Meadville, Lianne (Randy) Walker of Edinboro and Pat Kennedy of McKean; a sister, Janet Higinbotham of Connellsville; two sisters-in-law, Donna (John) Duvall of California and Carol Sue (Don) Corbett of Waynesburg; three grandchildren, Nathan (Katie Garrison) and Sara (Josh Brady) Lyons and Hannah (Dan) Crosby; and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Kennedy also leaves behind his wonderful dog, “Bella,” a West Highland terrier he rescued.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in First United Presbyterian Church, 4281 Route 6N, Edinboro, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 19, with the Rev. Greg Gillespie officiating. A Masonic service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the church. Burial of his ashes will be held at a later date in Edinboro Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 4281 Route 6N, Edinboro, PA 16412, or to Edinboro University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Program, 219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444.

To express condolences, visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.