Jay Thomas Kennedy

Danville – Jay Thomas Kennedy, 91, of Danville, passed away at 6:33 AM on Monday, October 5, 2026, at VA Illiana Health Care Systems in Danville. He was born on May 28, 1935, in Decatur, IL to William Kenneth and Mary Elizabeth (Cushing) Kennedy. He married Prudence Mary Hartz in August of 1984 at Ridgeview Baptist Church in Danville. She survives.

Also surviving are two children, M. Elizabeth Ruckman of Dixon, IL, and Kenneth E. (Barb Moss) Kennedy, also of Dixon; three step-children, Kelly Erke of Danville, Debora Tovey of Westville, and Stephen (Gail) Tovey of Georgetown; ten grandchildren, Melinda (Cory) Poff, Katie (Keegan) Shaw, Chase (Amy) Robinson, Chelsey Robinson, Casey Robinson, Joshua (Stephanie) Witherspoon, Nathan (Beth) Tovey, Stephen (Kari) Tovey, Aaron Tovey, and Caleb Tovey; multiple great grandchildren; and former classmate and best friend, Jerry Runyon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Judy Fannin, and a grandson, Christopher Kurek.

Jay graduated from high school in Fairbury, IL and continued his education at Millikin University where he would earn his Master’s Degree. Later in life, Jay would go back to school to get his Associates in Construction Technology at Parkland College. He began his career at Bohn Aluminum in Danville before serving as the Comptroller at Hurletron. Jay would move on to work in the accounting division of GE until finally retiring from the paint department at Big R after 17 years.

Jay was an avid WWII enthusiast and collector. He was especially fascinated with planes of the era, which allowed him to maintain many close friendships with the members of the Midwest Aero Restoration, Ltd. at the Vermilion County Airport. He was a jack of all trades who could fix and do anything, a talent that extended to his skill in woodworking. In addition to refurbishing and crafting mirrors and other furniture, Jay could often be found working outdoors. Jay and Prudence were also involved at Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown where they were longtime members.

A service to celebrate the life of Jay Kennedy will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL, 61834. Pastor Aaron Rohde will officiate. Cremation will follow the services. Visitation will be held from 2-3 PM prior to the service on Thursday, also at Sunset in Danville.

Please join Jay’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.