James M. Kennedy

James M. Kennedy, 74, of Westvale, died peacefully, Thursday, January 28, 2016 at home after a stoic battle with cancer. A native of Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Edward A. Kennedy Jr. and Elizabeth M. Kennedy. Jim came to Syracuse in 1960 to play basketball for the Le Moyne Dolphins. He was a member of the Le Moyne College Class of 1964. He had a 49-year career with State Farm Insurance Co., becoming an agent in the Eastwood area in 1974.  He was an avid harness racing owner and handicapper.  For 16 years, he coached "the green" team for Geddes Little League with his best friend, Tom Niland, winning 14 league championships and five district championships while sharing his love of baseball with hundreds of young players.  He was also a life-long Boston Red Sox fan. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Benita Pryzwara Kennedy, in 2006; and brother, Edward A. Kennedy III, in 2015.  Surviving are his children, Caroline (Martin) Reff of Westvale, James (Kimberly) M. Kennedy Jr. of Liverpool, and Mary-Claire Kennedy of Westvale; grandchildren, Jack Reff and Molly Reff of Westvale and James M. Kennedy III of Liverpool; brother, John M. Kennedy of Pembroke Pines, FL; sister, Caroline E. Kennedy of Worcester, MA; sister-in-law, Suzanne Cerino and her children, Christian and Chloe Cerino, all of Westvale; and his girlfriend, Patricia Crawford of Manlius. Jim will be fondly remembered by his daily lunch crowd in Eastwood and his Monday night card gang. Friends and family are invited to call Sunday, January 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 1 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, Fairmount. Jim will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Geddes Little League c/o Jim's son-in-law, Martin Reff, 105 Haywood Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219. Share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com