James Alexander Kenney

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 '90's.  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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jim's favorite charities: 

https://charlestonbasketbrigade.com  or http://giftfunds.stjude.org/James_A_Kenney

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mc Alister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.