Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Another loss of an American hero

It's certainly no secret that the demographic of the CF is older but even at age 58 we often seem to forget that many things we still regard as contemporary history, like the VN war, ended almost 50 years ago. Many of our members fought there, knew people that did and know people who didn't come home. The word hero is tossed around a bit casually these days but there are certain professions where recognition of that status is formally recognized. The military, LEO, Fire Dept and such are some of those where the word Hero still carries the weight it should and we should recognize when we lost one of those citizens that went above and beyond.

Capt Kenney was the FIL of a good friend of Hatari, Jorge and myself. We've been guests in his home and listened to the modestly told tales of he and his contemporaries. He was truly an Officer and a Gentleman of that generation and will be missed by all that knew him. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.



Captain James Kenney - 1934-2022

James Kenney Hollywood, SC - Captain James Alexander Kenney, United States Navy, 87, of Hollywood, SC, peacefully entered the care of our Lord on Saturday, Oct 1, 2022. Son of the late Mary O'Brien & James E. Kenney of Holyoke, MA, he was born November 27, 1934, attended Holyoke HS and graduated from the US Naval Academy, (USNA) with the great Class of '58!

He married Danielle Sullivan of Granby, CT in 1959, earned his Navy Wings of Gold and went on to defend his country for over thirty years. He was the ultimate Patriot! Jim flew many types of aircraft, including the A-1 Skyraider before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II as a plankowner with the "Argonauts" of VA-147. As Commanding Officer (CO), he skippered the famous VA-27 "Royal Maces" to distinction in the waning days of the Vietnam conflict. He completed six combat deployments to Southeast Asia and amassed over 1000 carrier landings. Before his assignment to Commander, Mine Warfare Command in Charleston, SC in 1982, he was a Battalion Officer at the US Naval Academy and CO of the USNA Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, RI.

Jim retired in 1988 from his last command at Naval Base Charleston. During his very distinguished service, he was the recipient of many military awards, most notable were the; Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Air Medal (13 awards, 1 individual, 12 Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards, 1 with Combat "V" for Valor); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards, 1 with Combat "V" for Valor) and numerous other personal and unit awards.

Upon his retirement, Jim opened West Ashley Property Management (WAPM), a service needed due to Naval Base Charleston closure, which Jim heroically fought to keep the base open throughout the '90s.

He was a life member of many organizations, his favorites being Bachman's Battery, Military Order of the World Wars, the Naval Academy Alumni Association and the "Red River Rats", a Vietnam-era military aviator's association. Besides his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Edward Kenney (Lucille) and sister, Mary Deleva (Joe). He is survived by his loving wife, Danielle of 63 years, his sister, Margaret Randall (Richard), and his adored children; Suzanne Zecchin (Todd), from Annapolis, MD., and Danielle Cartuccio, James Kenney, Jr. and Patrick Kenney; four grandchildren, Danielle Connick, Jake Cartuccio (Krista), Ryan Kenney, Breland Kenney; and four great-grandchildren, Isabella and Cameron Connick and Kaylie & Giana Cartuccio, all of Charleston. He will also be truly missed by his beloved sibling in-laws, nieces and nephews and an abundant number of friends.

Dearest Jim, Rest in Peace. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 4-7PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home on Bees Ferry Rd., SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4255 SC-165 in Meggett on Yonges Island, South Carolina. Military Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC.

Wow! Yes, a hero indeed. Gratitude for his service to our country Condolences to his family and may he RIP.
I have a model of a Corsair II on the shelf overlooking my reloading bench. One of my favorite aircraft.
What an accomplished individual.

A rare thing anymore has passed. A life of true honor.
Full sails on a homeward wind to you Sir.

Osky

Godspeed

RIP ..

R.I.P.
Captain Kenney

Another great warrior gone.
RIP, sir!
Condolences to family and friends.

Rest in Peace.

R.I.P

May he RIP

RIP, Captain!

Thanks for that, Pugs. I'm headed that way shortly to attend the funeral services.

My condolences. RIP Captain Kenney

Now that is a true American Hero! Rest in Eternal Peace Sir.

I met the man once, at a Pugs BBQ, along with jorge and a few other great people. Jim indeed made a memorable impression. He was a quiet pillar of a man whose eyes told of a much deeper presence.

R.I.P., condolences to the family.

Old school stud . The type of officer who deserves your salute

Shame we are losing warriors like him

sounds like quite a man.

RIP Captain. Your life will be an example to those who follow.

Jim