METROPOLIS, Ill. — James M. Kennedy, 86, of Metropolis, went home to be with the Lord while his loving family was by his side at 5:30 a.m. Friday, November 2, 2012.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 5, 2012, at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Metropolis with the Rev. David Deem officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

He was born to the late Clay and Minnie (Markus) Kennedy on October 18, 1926, in Massac County. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1944. Jim served our country in the Army for two years during World War II. He married Mary Lillian Hilgeman on June 22, 1948. They were happily married for 64 years.

Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years. He was a dedicated Christian and Charter Member of Lutheran Church of the Cross.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Kennedy; brother, Virgil Kennedy of Montgomery, Tx.; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Cindy Kennedy of Metropolis; son, Mark Kennedy of Metropolis; grandchildren, Michael and wife Christy Kennedy of Metropolis, Heather Kennedy of Metropolis, Amber Kennedy and husband Josh of Paducah, and Caleb Kennedy of Princeton, N.J; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Kennedy of Metropolis and Karson Powell of Paducah; aunt, Edna Markus of Metropolis; sister-in-laws, Ruth Schmidt of Omaha, Neb. and Martha Henry and husband Lowell of Metropolis; as well as many other close relatives and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Emma Kennedy; daughter-in-law, Teresa Kennedy; and sister-in-law, Shirley Kennedy of Montgomery, Tx.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2601 North Ave., Metropolis, Ill 62960.

Miller Funeral Home in Metropolis is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be: Chris Markus, Larry Markus, Lee Markus, Johnny Markus, Greg Henry, and Mike Hillebrand.