James A. "Jim" Kennedy was born December 5, 1930 near Beresford, SD to parents Ray and Alice (Norling) Kennedy. He went to Heaven on November 4, 2012 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 29 days. Jim attended Brooklyn elementary school and graduated from Beresford High School in 1948. He worked road construction before joining the Air Force and serving in the Korean Conflict in the Special Weapon's Division. He married Grace Kylling. To this union five children were born. After completing his time in the service, Jim began his career as a farmer which he did until his retirement at the age of 80. One of the greatest joys of his life was training and showing Clydesdale horses, many of which were sold to Budweiser-Anheuser Busch. In 1989, Jim married Lila "Lu" Graverson. The couple continued to farm, attend fairs and horse competitions throughout the United States and Canada. In recent years, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona and Mississippi. Those thankful for sharing his life are his wife Lila "Lu"; their children Ann(Val), Minneapolis, MN, Jane (Lee), Beresford, Kim (Elaine), Woodland, CA, Lee (Gerry), Worland, WY, Steve (Diane), Sioux Falls, Dick, Myrtle Beach, SC and Lori (Wayne), Sioux Falls, SD; 21 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, his brother Bill (Helen), Martin, SD; and many other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, a sister in infancy, a grandson in infancy, and the mother of his children, Grace. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 8th, from 5:30 PM to 8PM with a memorial service at 7PM at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church, rural Beresford. A burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date.