LACONIA ---- James ‘Jim’ Michael Kenny, 94, of Laconia, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
James was born on November 29, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of James Kenny Sr., and Dorothy (McNulty) Kenny.
He grew up in Rockville Centre, NY, attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, Niagara University, then the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. In 1954 he moved to Brazil to begin his career in shipping with Moore-McCormack Lines. A few years later, he met Janet Marie and married her in 1960 in her hometown of Belém do Pará. They started their family in Santos, São Paulo, then in 1978 returned to Rockville Centre. His 45+ year career spanned the US, South America, and Africa. After retirement, he and Janet moved to Amagansett, NY, and in 2017 settled in Laconia, NH.
Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and watching the NY Mets and Jets. He loved Brazil, traveling, and the ocean. He was always up for a celebration, especially when dancing was involved. He was a voracious reader and a devoted Catholic. After retirement he was deeply involved in Meals on Wheels, Rosary for the Unborn Child, and the Men’s Prayer Group.
Jim forged deep friendships throughout his life. His smile, tenacity, and quiet generosity to others will be deeply missed.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Janet (de Albuquerque) Kenny, son J. Michael Kenny and wife Saba of The Woodlands, TX, daughter Melissa Detwiller and husband Thomas of Concord, NH, daughter Sandra Constable and husband Mark of Washington Crossing, PA, and daughter Mona Pruhs and husband Matthew of Wauwatosa, WI; grandchildren Maya, Daniel, Cameron, Luiza, Samuel, Vivian, Oscar, Everett, Magnus, Daken, Natasha, Whitney and Monica; his twin brother John “Jack”, niece Janelle and nephew Keric and wife Courtney of Southport, CT; great niece Claire and great nephews Gray and Hugh. Predeceased by his daughter Mary, his sister Dorothy E. Kenny and his sister-in-law Phyllis C. Kenny.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10:00am, at St. Andre Bessette Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.
Burial will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jim’s name to Meals on Wheels, 7 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246, or to the Food Pantry at Christ the King Parish, 67 S State Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.