Mr. James "Bear" Kennedy, age 87, of Cohutta, Georgia, departed this life Friday, January 21, 2022 at NHC Ft. Oglethorpe. He was born April 11, 1934 in Cohutta, GA a son of the late Joseph and Zula Mae Hurst Kennedy. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Gloria James Kennedy, sister, Della Bates, brother, H.C. Kennedy.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty Jo Cross of Dalton, GA, Barbara McCroskey of Ringgold, GA; several nieces and nephews, Beverly Barnes, Robbin Endinger, Wendy Brooks, Nephews: Ronald Bates, Jeff Bates, Joe Kennedy, Aaron MCcroskey, Alex McCroskey and  Greg Christol.

James was affectionately known to most people as Bear, which was tagged on him as a toddler and followed throughout his life. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in Korea at the end of that conflict. He lived and worked around the Dalton, GA area most of his life. He operated a used car business for many years. He enjoyed meeting and getting to know people. He was always ready to do a favor or help someone out. He loved being outside and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. He was on a tractor gardening most spring and summers. He loved animals and spent hours watching birds from his porch during his retirement.

Graveside service to celebrate the life of Mr. James "Bear" Kennedy will be held Wednesday January 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. He will be laid to rest beside his wife.

The family would like to thank NHC Ft. Oglethorpe and Caris Hospice for all the love and care they gave to Bear.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.