James “Jay” W. Kennedy, age 70, of Norwood, previously of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 24, 2026. Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Thomas Kennedy and Dorothea (Molaskey) Kennedy.

Jay was the beloved husband of 45 years to Margaret “Peggy” (Casey) Kennedy, of Norwood. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Kennedy, of Hanover and brother Richard Kennedy, of West Roxbury. He was a proud and devoted father to Jay Kennedy Jr., of Roslindale and Casey Kennedy, of Norwood, but the biggest joys in his life were his two grandsons Anderson and Rowan.

Jay was passionate about music, history, and Boston sports, and he spent much of his time on the golf course or at the beaches of Cape Cod in search of the perfect sunset.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt. 1A), Norwood on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Timothy Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, on Wednesday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m. At the request of the family, interment will be held privately at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jay’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.