John Edward Kennedy

Captain John E. Kennedy, Jr., USN, "Jack," 86, Retired, a veteran of 30 years active duty, of North Charleston, SC, husband of Joan Kennedy, died Monday, June 28, 2010, in a local hospital after a long and courageous battle with ill health.  He fought the good fight.

Born March 31, 1924 in Milford, MA he was the son of John Edward Kennedy, Sr. and Blanche O' Connell Kennedy.   Jack was a graduate of Boston College with a degree in physics and graduate studies at Boston College of Law and George Washington University School of Law.

Early on, while assigned to the Office of Counsel, MSTS Pacific, he authored a manual on the new Uniform Code of Military Justice.  He had several Commands at Sea, as well as ashore.  One of interest was Head of Reserve Officers Promotion Branch, and as such he was Liaison to the White House Staff and members of Congress.  His last assignment was Asst. Chief of Staff for Resources Management, Naval Surface Reserves. 

After retirement Jack became Executive Director, United Way West Orange County, CA.  Jack was a member of several automobile clubs, several service organizations, and was active in volunteering in his community, The Elms of Charleston.

Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Kennedy of North Charleston, one daughter, Kathleen Kennedy-Opitz and her husband Mark, of Bend, Oregon, one son, Michael Kennedy and his wife Leslie of Newport Beach, CA and three grandchildren, Christopher Miller, Kelley Kennedy and Kaitlin Kennedy, all of Orange County, CA.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held in All Saints Chapel at the Naval Weapons Station, Friday, July 2, 2010 at 10:00 A.M.   Interment with military honors, Monday, July 5, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Beaufort National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road Thursday, July 1, 2010 beginning at 6:30 PM with vigil prayers and visitation will continue until 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.