John B. Kennedy Jr.

John B. Kennedy, Jr., 85, of Tallahassee, Florida died peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by family at his residence.

He was born January 15, 1939, in Wrightsville, Georgia to John B. Kennedy, Sr. and Katherine Burnley Kennedy. He graduated from Wrightsville High School, then attended Mercer University from 1958 to 1959 where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He joined the military and proudly served in the US Air Force from 1960 to 1964 as an Airman First Class, working on the C5A airplanes. He met the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Ann Kennedy while at Panama City Beach in the summer of 1963 and they married in March of 1964. They were married for 59 wonderful years.

After getting married, John and Ginger moved to Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia for John to work with Lockheed Martin until he and Ginger moved to Tallahassee, Florida for John to attend Florida State University. John graduated from Florida State University in 1970, with a BS degree in Marketing, then later graduated with his MBA.

He worked many years with the State of Florida. Then, went to work for the US Postal Service as a Mechanical Technician, where he retired after 33 years. While attending FSU, John and Ginger purchased a piece of property where they built their dream house with their own hands, along with the help of Ginger’s dad, who was a contractor.

John enjoyed living life! He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, carpentry, swimming, beekeeping, caring for others, and he was an avid FSU football fan. He was a man with a strong faith in God, and left a great legacy with his family that showed his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He proudly served as a Royal Ranger leader at church, leading young boys/men to Christ. He volunteered through church ministries at the juvenile detention center and volunteered many hours in musical ministry at some of the nursing homes in Tallahassee.

Singing was one of his greatest passions, and he loved listening to and singing gospel songs. He was extremely talented and wrote and composed many of his own songs. He always had a deep faith and gentle personality. His dedication to his family and friends was immeasurable. He loved everyone and always had a smile on his face. John believed in fighting for what he believed to be right and fair. He was proud of his family, and we never had to wonder if he loved us because he told us often, and even on his death bed, “I love you”. He was the best dad ever and such a blessing to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Virginia Ann Kennedy; his parents, John Beverly and Katherine Burnley Kennedy; his sister, Mildred Kennedy Masters; and his son-in-law, Ken Richards.

He is survived by his children, John B. Kennedy, III (Kit), Stephanie Richards, Michelle Knight (Terry), eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM EST, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Tallahassee National Cemetery with Chaplain Neal Avirett officiating, and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the exceptional care given to Dad by his team of loving caregivers, most especially Tyia, Danielle, and Destine.