Obituaries

Send Flowers James Patrick Kenney September 2, 1947 - December 28, 2013 James Patrick Kenney, 66, of Arlington, passed away Saturday, December 28th, at Hilltop Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Weatherford. His family will receive friends at Dannel Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, January 2, 2014. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sherman, with Father Tony Aureus officiating. James was born September 2, 1947, in Sherman, to Benjamin and Martha Roth Kenney. Early in his life, his family relocated to New York, where he was part of the pioneer effort, in the public schools, that would eventually become the national ‘Special Education Program’. In 1957 he and his father fought for – and were permitted to start – a Cub Scout Troop specifically for special needs children. That same year, their young and quickly growing troop proudly marched in the local July 4th parade, in full dress uniform. James was always a sweet soul, whose gentle spirit touched the hearts of many. While he did have special needs, to his family and those who knew him best, the ‘special’ was always defined by what he gave, rather than what he required. James was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents, brother-in-law Robert Kough, nephew Keith Kough, and niece Kimberly Kough. Left to celebrate his life are his brother, Benjamin Kenney, Jr. and wife Lorraine of New York; his sister Mary Gene Kough of Arlington, TX; nephew Robert Kenney and Cindy, and twins Alex and Ryan; nephew Stephen Kenney and Jackie; great-nephew Andrew Kough; great-nieces Gabrielle and Hannah Kough; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends all over the country. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Special Olympics Fund either online at www.specialolympics.org, or via USPS at: 1133 19th St. NW - Washington D.C. 20036.