Jack W. Kennedy

Jack W. Kennedy, 94 of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully at Porter Hills Retirement Community surrounded by family on August 11th, 2018, after suffering from congestive heart disease.  Jack was born and raised in East Grand Rapids, MI.  He was a graduate of East Grand Rapids High School and Michigan State University.  He was a WWII Veteran, serving as an Army Medic in Germany.  He was the third generation to own and manage Grand Rapids Bedding Company (Spring Air Mattress).  The family sold the business in 1991. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Joy Long Kennedy, daughter Karen Kennedy Squires of Salt Lake City, son Kim Kennedy and son-in-law Dale Shannon of Grand Rapids, 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.  Also surviving are sisters Betty Neighbors in Texas and Lucille Hammond (Charlie) of Kalamazoo and a brother Tom Kennedy in Saginaw, sister-in-law Mary Lou Long of Grand Rapids, and many nieces and nephews. 

Jack enjoyed and volunteered in Masons and Shriners, and was a member of the Grand Rapids Rotary for over 40 years.  He was an avid skier since WWII and served in the National Ski Patrol at Grand Rapids Ski Club and Cannonsburg for over 30 years.  He loved the water and boating, water skiing, and fishing, especially salmon fishing on Lake Michigan out of South Haven. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018, 11am at The Meeting House, Porter Hills Retirement Community (West Entrance), 3600 E. Fulton, SE, lunch to follow.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Porter Hills Foundation, 4450 Cascade Rd SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack W. Kennedy, please visit our floral store.