James M. Kenny

January 3, 1958 - February 20, 2019

COLEBROOK — James M. Kenny, 61, of Colebrook, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, after a 3-year, hard-fought and courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in Lowell, Mass., on Jan. 3, 1958, the son of the late John and Mary (Murphy) Kenny. Jim grew up all over NH and VT, and attended schools in New Hampton, Fairlee, and Candia, but every summer was spent at camp on Diamond Pond in Stewartstown. He graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1976 and from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT, in 1980. He was in the Air Force ROTC program in college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. His career began at Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA, where he went through Navigator Training, then on to Loring AFB in Maine as a member of the B-52 squadron. Jim crosstrained into FB-111s at Plattsburgh AFB, was stationed at Pease AFB in Portsmouth, NH, with the 509th Bomb Wing/715th Bomb Squadron. He ended his 12-year career as an instructor back at Mather AFB, separating from the Air Force in July 1992 at the rank of Major. In July 1992 he and his family bought the Northern Comfort Motel in Colebrook which he ran with love and pride until he was diagnosed in June of 2016 with glioblastoma. Jim was very involved in the community, serving as the Commander of the American Legion Post 62, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Bungy Beavers Snowmobile Club before they merged with the Colebrook Ski-Bees. He was also involved in the Little League program as a coach to many area students. Jim loved to snowmobile, hunt, fish, and travel with his family. He loved his Red Sox and bringing his sons to spring training games each year. He was an avid reader and loved history, especially World War II. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and his positive attitude. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lisa (Kelley) Kenny, his two sons Brian of Dover, NH, and John of Colebrook; his sister Kathy Kenny of Windsor, VT; brothers John of Colebrook, Tom and wife Jenny of Groverton, IN, and Bill and wife Nancy of Truckee, CA; his mother-in-law, Irene Kelley of Middlebury, VT; sister-in-law Karen Kelley of Pretoria, South Africa; his brother-in-law Jeff Kelley of Middlebury, VT, as well as nieces and nephews. At Jim’s request, there will be no public calling hours or service. There will be a burial in the spring at the Bridgewater, VT, cemetery with military honors, as well as a Celebration of Life at a future date, of which notice will be given. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Colebrook Ski-Bees Snowmobile Club, P.O. box 125, Colebrook, NH 03576; or the North Country Home Health & Hospice, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.