John Homer Kennedy Jr

Born: May 15, 1932 – Indiana, PA to parents John “Jack” and Louise Jean Kennedy. Moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1948 from Marion, OH. Graduated from North High School, Phoenix, AZ in 1951. Attended two years college in Salt Lake City, UT and Tempe, AZ. Served proudly and honorably in the U.S. Army as a Cook from 1951 to 1954. Received medals for Expert Pistol Marksmanship. Loved horses, livestock and dogs. Worked for his future in-laws at Bud Brown’s Barn on Northern Ave in Phoenix and Friendly Pines Camp in Groom Creek, South of Prescott, Arizona where he met his future wife. Married Margaret “Peg” Brown, June 5, 1954. Also worked in feedlots and apprenticed as a journeyman lineman for Arizona Public Service before joining the Arizona Highway Patrol in 1959. Served the public as a highway patrolman, law enforcement academy counselor, under cover narcotics and liquor control agent. Retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety in 1979 at Cordes Jct, Arizona. After retirement from Arizona DPS, served as dog trainer/handler and reserve deputy sheriff for Yavapai County and brand inspector for the Arizona State Livestock Board. In addition to full time law enforcement career was a master horse shoer/farrier, well driller, equipment operator, welder, carpenter, block layer, cowboy/rancher. He could repair or build practically anything structural, mechanical or electrical. Along with wife Peg raised 3 children, daughter Lynn, sons John and Lonnie. Known to many as “Big John” due to 6 foot 5-1/2 inches in height and his considerable physical strength. Soft spoken, intelligent, kind and courteous gentleman. A mentor, model, teacher and true friend to his family and countless others from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages. Contributed untold hours of community service for Yavapai County Big Brothers/Big Sisters, teaching Sunday School, serving on Mayer Cemetary, Mayer Library, Mayer Fire and local Christian Church Boards. 32nd Degree Mason. Founding member & officer of Lonesome Valley Sheriff’s Posse. Loved his family and good friends above all else. Enjoyed good food, ice cream, fixing things, traveling, practical jokes, sports, rodeos, reading, music, leather work and good movies. Passed from this life December 21, 2020 in the Cottonwood Hospital with family at his side following a severe heart attack. Knew and appreciated that after surviving polio as a young teenager he was blessed to live an extraordinary, productive, interesting, rich and full life. Had absolutely no regrets, was prepared and ready to depart this life. Preceded in death by both parents, sister Kelly Stadmiller, youngest son Lonnie (2010). Survived by wife Peg, daughter Lynn & husband Laine Malouff, son John & wife “Roni” Kennedy, daughter-in-law Susan Spellflug, 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Last birthday, 88 years old was horseback and roping calves at ranch branding. “Roping calves at a branding is better than dessert . . . and I love dessert.” - John Kennedy, Jr.

John Homer Kennedy Jr

May 15, 1932 - December 21, 2020