15# Jimmy 1972

The most difficult event in my life was the death of our sweet, loving son, Jimmy!

James Bernard Kennedy. He was only 19 years old!  That day, July 20, 1972, began by my trying over and over again to wake Jim ; because he had to be at work.  He had always been a heavy sleeper, but this morning was one of the worst.  He has been up till  the wee hours of the morning, entertaining a new girlfriend in our basement recreation room.  He called her "Elaine" and she seemed to be a very nice girl. He had always been quite popular with the girls and had recently broke up with "Mary Schwartz", after a long-term relationship.   So sad, we all liked her very much!


Jimmy had only recently began working for a construction company.  Since his graduation from high school he just hadn't been able to find his "niche."  He had tried training for an E.M.T. but that didn't work out.  His Dad wanted him to get into auto sales and even got him a job with an auto dealer.  However, sales was not his thing either.  I encouraged him to perhaps get into the trades; and our friend, Jim Walsh;  who was a plumber, got him a job where he worked on construction.  It was Jimmy's first experience working with his hands. I have re-lived the guilt  many times, for urging him to take this job, which ultimately killed him!  He was such a wonderful boy and pal to me, his mother.  He had many friends and they all still love him because he was always good to them.  I was pleased and surprised  to see the crowds that attended his funeral that sad day. The line of cars seemed  unending!

Sometime that dark afternoon-our phone rang!  Your Dad,  who had been lying on the couch; as he did frequently, because, as you know- he was not a well man.  I was nearby, having recently taken the younger children to school.  Suddenly, I realized he was talking to Jim Walsh; when he shouted "Oh no! Tell me now! How is he?"  I knew immediately that something was seriously wrong. I started screaming "what's wrong?'  Dad  yelled to Jim Walsh, "come and get me right now"; then he hung up!  He held me and told me that Jim Walsh had said Jimmy was dead and that he was coming to drive him there.  He tried to comfort me,  but I cried that it wasn't true and that I wanted to go to my son.  It couldn't be!  Not my boy!  My sweet Jimmy!  When Jim Walsh finally got there with the truck- I pushed my way into the truck! In spite of Daddy insisting that I stay home, because it  would be too much for me.

It seemed like the longest ride of my life- out to Bolingbrook, Il. from 57th and Central Park, Chicago; where we lived.  I was sure it was some kind of mistake! That it was another worker; not my boy!  Even though Jim Walsh was explaining to Daddy, that our Jimmy had gotten an electric shock;  while drilling outside a home and fell to his knees, in the rain-soaked ground!  Jim Walsh was crying the whole time and saying how sorry he was, cause he didn't stay with him.  He knew that I had asked him to look after him!  Much later, I felt sorry for the poor man!


I kept insisting that it wasn't our Jimmy;  until I saw him with my own eyes in the hospital  bed!  My beautiful boy!  Daddy and I were destroyed!  He looked perfect even in  death!  The only marks on his body were on his knees,; where he had received the electric current. My pain was agonizing!

Your Dad held up very well at first.  He comforted me and took charge of all the arrangements, including calling my sister Viola to help watch the children. Sherri and Gene were only 7 and 6 years old.  It wasn't until the funeral that he began to break down!  Poor man, he just couldn't function after that; as you all know!  He loved his son Jimmy, and all his children, so very much!

Unfortunately, that made it much more difficult for me to grieve properly;  since Dad couldn't bear to talk about Jim after that;.and  I had to take care of our two little ones without his help.  Now I know that caring for them, actually helped me to go on, since I had their lives in my hands.


Again, God has  a plan for all of us!  Relating all of this hasn't been easy, even after all these years; but I felt you children should have a record of your Mom and Dad's life.  I pray that in the process, I haven't hurt anyone's feelings.  This is just what I feel, I have experienced.

Laura & Jimmy were very close and had always looked after each other.  Losing her best friend and brother was very difficult for Laura, as well!  She supported Dad and I, through it all , in our grief. Our only true support, during that terrible time!  Even though , she was only 22 years old, herself!  She stayed with us for several months; even though her husband was back in New Jersey, where they lived.  I always worried that it had something to do with her  divorce, a year later.  Although, she had often indicated that she was unhappy being so far from home.

Please understand, how important "my sons" are to me!  Being raised without any brothers  or Dad; i longed for a boy of my own!  He was friend and confidante through all the hard times with your Dad, as well!  I remember at his birth - rejoicing!  Since my mother , had all girls , I always thought I would do the same.!  Of course I love my girls; especially now, in my later years! Guess I was just more needy "then".  My sweet son Gene, has definitely taken that place of friend and confidant now!!  God is so good; if we only give him time!