Mr. James Kenard

In Loving Memory Of: James Kennard, Sr.'s journey began and his heart started to beat on Wednesday, August 21, 1941 in Forkland, Alabama in the Warrior Swamp Community, when the midwife announced, “You have a beautiful, bouncing Baby Boy.” James was the fifth (5th) of thirteen (13) born to the union of his parents, the late Abraham and Mary Lou Kennard. James was extremely caring and committed to helping his family as times were hard financially. James was educated in the Greene County School System. He had many friends and was very outspoken. James decided to forego his last year of high school so that he could get a job and help his father take care of the struggling family. James gave his life to Jesus Christ at a very early age and joined the New Green Oak Baptist Church where he served faithfully in the Sunday School and Morning Worship Services. James was ordained a Deacon at the New Green Oak Baptist Church in 1965 alongside his brother Abraham-under the pastorate of the late Rev. E.D. Bates. To this day, his name (James Kennard, Sr.) remains on the church’s cornerstone. When James left high school, he was immediately hired at Taylor Veneer Mill in Demopolis, Alabama. James saved his money and soon invested the first car for the family a 1958 Ford. James would drive his siblings to Demopolis on Saturdays and enjoy barbeque sandwiches from Mr. Charlie Braxton Restaurant. James married Glenda Ruth Banks and to this union, his only son, James Kennard Jr, (Puncho) was born. In 1966, James and his family-along with his brother Judge and his family moved to Detroit Michigan. James worked at Awrey bakery until he was hired at Ford Motor Company. James united with the Greater Southern Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Saulsberry. He was active on the Deacon Board, as well as the Male Chorus. He loved the Lord. He was the Praying Deacon and could light up the church with his prayers. One of his favorite songs was, “Down through the years, The Lord has been good to me.” Years later, James united in matrimony to Emma Anderson on June 9, 1984. James loved family gatherings. He was the ICON of his family. He always talked the loudest, bragged the most, danced the longest and told the most jokes. James was a gardener and could grow the best collard greens and tomatoes. His family and friends looked forward to eating his delicious fried turkeys, catfish, barbecue chicken and ribs. He loved hunting. James was a faithful member of the Detroit Chapter of the GC Club. He held several offices there including Vice President. He really enjoyed traveling with the club and again had the spotlight and the loudest mouth. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 39 years of service. Out of the 39 years James was so committed to Ford that he only missed five days of work. During his last Sunday Morning Worship Services Zoom Meeting Call at the beginning of this year in January of 2021with his brother, Rev. Dr. John Kennard, James told us all, I’m Holding On. I’m Still Holding On.” His prayers would always be for his family, “Lord keep us together, let us be so close that one can’t hurt without the other one hurting; one can’t fall without the other one falling.ˮ James rejoiced as he met his Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on Saturday, January 16, 2021.

Mr. James Kenard

August 21, 1941 - January 16, 2021