James Kennedy

James Layton Kennedy, of Clifton, Arizona, passed away peacefully December 29, 2017 at home in his sleep. James was born in Mogollon, New Mexico September 1, 1938. He was the youngest of five children and only son to Duel and Essie Kennedy. He grew up in Deming, New Mexico where he attended school. This is where he met his first true love Susie Dunagan. They eloped and were married in Chihuahua, Mexico on October 25, 1957 and returned home to add a son James Layton Kennedy Jr. and daughter Suzanne Valentine Kennedy to their family. James was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 and was stationed and trained at various bases around the U.S. He was a Military Police K-9 Trainer and his love for dogs continued throughout his life. James worked in various places all over the west in the gold and silver mining industry eventually working his way into the management of these mines. He and his father also did some mining in Mexico. He also owned and operated a variety of small businesses from a gas station to a Sears store. His other great love was fishing. To taking a boat out to the lake and spend the whole day just lost in fishing was his true passion. Hunting was a big part of his life and shared many hunting adventures with his son Jimmy over the years. While living in Safford he enjoyed going to the river with his family, driving sand buggies and spending good quality time with friends and family. He was a true outdoorsman. James lost his beautiful wife Susie in 1973. He then married Glenda and he continued his travels through the mining industry. He retired in 2000 to reside full time in Clifton, Arizona where he loved to sit on his back patio watching the skies and the distant traffic going by on the highway with his dogs always by his side. Just as he napped each day with his pup by his side, he passed away quietly and peacefully with his faithful companion by his side. James has many family and friends that will remember the man he used to be, full of life and vigor. He is survived by his son James Layton Kennedy, Jr and wife Penny, of Elko Nevada and his daughter Valentine Kennedy and husband Tim Charles, of Boise Idaho. He has five beautiful grandchildren Brett Goebel and wife Shyla, of Caldwell Idaho, Jordyn Stoddard and husband Curtis, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kyrsti Neeley and husband Jonathan, of Chesterfield Virginia. Lucas Mills of Boise Idaho and Logan Mills of Boise Idaho. He also has five beautiful great grandchildren, Lucy, Waylon, Suzie, Sterling and June. He is preceded in death by wife Suzanne Louise Kennedy, sister's Joyce Reeves, Faith Garrett and June Farrell, parents Essie and Duel Kennedy and wife Glenda Kennedy. No services will be held as this was his wish.