John Emmett Kennedy

Thursday February 26, 1925 ~ Thursday April 11, 2024

John Emmett Kennedy (Jack), Beloved Husband, Devoted Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend, Proud Marine-WWII Veteran, and long-time resident of Daytona Beach Shores died peacefully in his home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. He celebrated his 99th birthday with family just weeks before at a local Daytona Beach restaurant, where he
entertained restaurant staff and other patrons with his humorous "M&Ms - secret to longevity" story. With his warm personality and sharp wit, Jack made friends wherever he went. He always appeared and acted much younger than his age and maintained his sense of humor even during the last few days of his life. Jack was born in Syracuse, New York, on Thursday February 26, 1925 – son and only child of John F. and Florence (Smith) Kennedy – and grew up in Flint, MI. He met the love of his life and future bride – Doris Miriam Seitz – in her hometown of Flint during a 30-day leave from the military in January 1946. They were married on December 27, 1946, raised three children in Grand Blanc, MI, and shared an incredible and wonderful journey of 77 years together.

Jack was preceded in death by his Parents. He is survived by his loving Wife, Doris; Son,
John (Lisa) Kennedy of Grand Blanc, MI; Daughter, Jill Kennedy of Crossville, TN; Daughter,
Jeri (John) Beel of Port Orange, FL; five Grandchildren, Sean (Ashley) Kennedy, Tony
(Shelby) Kennedy, Rachel (Chris) Kennedy, Jessi Beel, and Jarrett Beel; and five Great Grandchildren, Sofia, Lorenzo, Emelia, Lucas, and Josie.

His family will forever remember his love and affection for them and his storytelling abilities – he had memories to share
during every get-together and a joke for all occasions, including doctor visits. As members of Westminster-by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church, Jack and Doris faithfully attended weekly services for over 20 years. Jack loved his church family and always greeted people with a smile and sometimes a wisecrack for those dear to his heart. A very
social person, it wasn't uncommon for Doris to have to "shush" him when services were starting.
After serving in WWII, Jack pursued an engineering profession in the automotive industry, graduating with a bachelor's degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, and working most of his career with Buick Motor Division. He enjoyed his job and recounted fond memories of his colleagues and the practical jokes they played on each other over the years.
Jack served honorably in World War II in the U.S. Marines. Enlisting in Detroit, MI, in February 1944, his troop was transported to Boot camp in San Diego, CA for 11 weeks of training, where Jack was classified as a Rifle Range fire expert. Following training, Jack was sent to Mojave, CA to the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Out of 65 marines in boot camp, he was one of only two who were sent to the Air Corp – the rest went to "Line" Company in the 5th Division and were sent to Tarawa and Okinawa. In October 1944, Jack boarded Liberty Ship USS Sandoval headed for the South Pacific. He and many others were sea sick for three days before the ship ever left the dock. They traveled for six days at sea without an escort, with many Japanese and German submarines in the area. The ship finally docked in Pearl Harbor, and the Marines were taken to Ewa Air Base on Oahu (Barbers Point). At Ewa, orders were changed, and Jack's squadron became the Base Headquarters Squadron. They fought the battle of Oahu until January 1946, at which time they returned to the U.S. at Cherry Point, N.C.. It was on a 30-day leave from Cherry Point that Jack met Doris. He then returned to Cherry Point and was honorably discharged on June 24, 1946. While serving at the Ewa Air Base in the Fleet Marine Force on Oahu, Jack was exposed to loud engine noise on the ground directing planes in for landing. He recalled traumatic experiences where planes crashed and crewmembers were lost. Jack suffered significant hearing loss later in life due to this noise exposure.

In 2012, Jack flew to Washington, D.C. as part of the Volusia Honor Air program honoring
World War II Vets. That was one of the highlights of his life before his final trip up and "Into
the Wild Blue Yonder."

The family thanks the wonderful hospice nurses and CNAs who visited and cared for Jack
before his passing, as well as the friends who have expressed condolences and sent cards
and care packages. They were his earthly angels.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Westminster-by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church, 3221 S Peninsula Dr., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118. A private burial will take place through Lohman Funeral Home Daytona at Daytona Memorial Park.

Condolences may be shared with the Family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.