SEAFORD, DE - James T. Kearney, 85, of Seaford, Delaware, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Lofland Park Center in Seaford surrounded by his family.
James was born in Franklin County North Carolina to Thomas and Eva Kearney. He graduated from Franklinton High School in 1947 with honors and proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1948 to 1952 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, James worked for a short time in Durham, NC for Liggett & Myers until being hired by DuPont at their plant in Kinston, NC in 1952. In 1967, James was transferred to the DuPont plant in Seaford, DE, retiring from his position with DuPont as the Power House Supervisor in 1985.
James was a member of Mount Olivet UMC Church in Seaford, and was a member of the American Legion and the Seaford Elks Lodge #2458 where he served 2 terms as the Exalted Ruler. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching NASCAR and tinkering on car and lawnmower motors. James was a lover of music, particularly country, and in his earlier years wouldn’t hesitate to pull out his Gibson acoustic guitar and entertain his family and friends with favorites like “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold” and “Under the Double Eagle.” But his main joy of life was spending time with his Best Buddy and wife of 61 years, Joyce. Big Jim was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather and true friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
James is survived by his devoted wife Joyce; sons Michael (Tammy) of Seaford, DE, and Patrick (Darlene) of Kennett Square, PA; daughter Jill Shockley (Ed) of Lewes, DE; grandchildren Brooke Dickerson (Troy), Joshua and Jackson Kearney, and Buck Shockley; and great-grandson Greyson Dickerson. A brother, Bobby Kearney, and several nieces and nephews will also cherish his memory in North Carolina. James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eva Kearney, and a sister, Geraldine.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all the staff at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and at Lofland Park Center for their outstanding care and support during the last weeks they had with James.
Visitation will be held at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Front & King Sts. in Seaford, from 10:00— 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. A commitment ceremony for burial will take place at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Olivet UMC, 315 High Street, Seaford DE 19973 or to the Seaford Elks Lodge #2458, 8846 Elk Road, Seaford DE 19973.
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