John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Sr.

Every superhero has a story, and with that, this is

the delightful story of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Sr.

John was born August 16, 1962, at Beyer Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Guy Howison and Lillie Mae Kennedy. He was the 3rd child of their union, (Samuel, Miriam Elizabeth) and the 5th child (Guy Jr., Robert) of his father, Guy.

It would be in the spring of 1968 that the family would move to Belleville, Michigan. There the family would utilize the surrounding land the home was built on, and use that land to farm. An 8-year-old John was baptized in Jesus’ name and witnessed holiness from his parents. In between tedious farmwork, church, and attending Carrolton Public Schools for elementary and middle school, a young John would discover a love for comics, especially Marvel Comics, and superheroes like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Captain America!

A precocious John would call different semi-truck companies and ask for information pamphlets on their current models. He loved standing at the beginning of the driveway and getting all the passing semi-trucks to blare their horns!

Closely working with his father Guy on the farm, agriculture, and building the church his father would pastor; ensued for a close father and son relationship. They were a strong team and even went into business with the produce their farm produced. “Kennedy Produce” was a successful venture for father and son. They were known for their excellent products, especially their famous “Sweet Sugar Sweet Corn.”

John’s formative years were filled with interests ranging from submarines, fighter jets, and engineering, which he would attribute to his older brother, Guy, who served in the United States Air Force, and his 2nd oldest brother, Robert, who was part of the United States Navy. John’s ears were bombarded with the incredible music of that time and at 13 he would pick up the electric bass, 4 strings of course. Always eager to practice and have jam sessions with friends, he would become good enough to play for his father’s church. In addition to playing bass for his father’s church, he was also a Sunday school teacher to the younger saints of the congregation. John would heed the calling of ministry over his life and become a minister. Exposure to sports would lead to a lifelong obsession. Impressed by the skill set it took to play hockey, John became an instant fan. “The Tradition Continues” used by a hockey game announcer would become a favorite quote of John’s.

John graduated from Airport High School (The Jett’s) in 1980. He would continue his education at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan. He would complete his education with an Associate degree in Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration. It would be in September 1982 at an Eastern District meeting held at District Elder Willie G. Elam’s church that John would meet his helpmate, Shirley!

John and Shirley would quickly pursue a relationship and after only 7 months of dating, John would ask Shirley to be his wife. The two pastor’s kids would be wed in holy matrimony on November 5th, 1983. The love birds would move in with John’s parents and a little over a year of marriage, have their 1st child La Toya Sharie. The family would move to Jackson in 1986 as a job opportunity in Lansing presented itself at the Board of Water and Light.

The family of three would have an addition with the birth of John Fitzgerald Jr. “John John.” In 1987. In 1990, the happy family of 4 would relocate to Saginaw, Michigan after John took a position with the power plant company MCV (Midland Cogeneration Venture). John would go on to complete 40 years at MCV. March 1991 gave the last addition to the family with the birth of GiaQuinto Quincy.

A full-time shift worker’s schedule didn’t stop John from spending quality time with the family. John would introduce the family to ice skating and in particular, ice hockey. This introduction would prove to be a life-changing venture for the family. John Jr. would take a great liking to hockey and Big John was right there to support him. Whether at the ice rink, swim lessons, soccer field, at a tournament, or at football practice, everyone knew Mr. Kennedy. His love of the “game” proved to be strong enough to even assist NFL teams in scouting young players. John was a huge advocate of youth sports and assisted with coaching some of his kids’ teams. John would spend his free time watching sports, traveling with his wife, golfing, and working out.

Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, at 2:40 am, with his dedicated wife by his side, John made his transition. His father and mother Guy H, and Lillie Mae Kennedy, and his brother, Guy Jr., proceeded him in death.

John leaves to mourn, his wife, Shirley Lenora; his daughter, La Toya Sharie; two sons, John Fitzgerald Jr. (Kiera), GiaQuinto Quincy (Stacy Ann); and grandchildren, Ava Estelle, Zara Indigo, Radiance Sage, Jireh Fox, and Jericho Seven. John is also survived by his brothers, Robert, Samuel (Rita), and his sister, Miriam Elizabeth.