In Memoriam

James L. D. Kearney II

Obituary

The Salem News

September 29, 2024

Jim Kearney
1964 Yale graduation

Jim Kearney, known for his warm heart, strong hugs, and optimism, passed away on September 26, 2024, in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Jim was the second child of Sally Skinner Kearney and Franklin Patrick Kearney. He spent his formative years in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, completing his secondary education at Northfield Mount Hermon and the Kingswood School. He was a proud Yale University graduate (’64, Saybrook College) and maintained lifelong friendships with fellow '64 grads. After college, Jim road‐tripped across the country and served as a naval officer on the USS Julius A. Furer (FFG-6), all before embarking on a successful career at Gillette.

Jim Kearney
recently

Jim lived most of his life in Salem, Massachusetts, where he was a dedicated member of the YMCA, served as President of Historic Salem, and inspired others with his tenacity and civic spirit. He cared deeply about education, politics, and the environment. A lifelong enthusiast for gadgets and innovation, Jim could ‘MacGyver’ any problem.

After retiring, Jim and Judy spent 13 winters in Vail, Colorado, carving out time on the slopes and enjoying mountain life.

Throughout his life, Jim always had an easy smile and a heartfelt “could not be better” when asked how he was doing. Even when aphasia and Alzheimer’s robbed him of much of his ability to communicate, his spirit persevered, and he never hesitated to respond with a resounding "Fantastic!"

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith (Judy) Marble Kearney, who stood by him throughout life’s adventures. He was proud of his two children, Meghan Kearney and her partner Joshua Moore of San Francisco; Patrick Kearney and his wife Olivia Wheeler, and Jim’s much‐loved grandchildren, Ruby and Duncan of Jackson, Wyoming. He also leaves behind his two sisters and their families — Dede Kearney and Ken Heath of Bremen, Maine, and Pat (PK) and Ron Eastman of Carmel, California — along with many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will always remember his ready wit, genuine kindness and jet‐fuel eggnog at the holidays. Jim treasured the friendships made throughout his well‐lived life — from childhood to the neighborhood to the recent friendships in Lincoln. Jim’s family is grateful for the care and friendship Florence Goulet provided over the past year.

We hope he’s now enjoying well‐deserved adventures with all the beloved humans and dogs who passed before him, surrounded by his favorite foods: raspberry cake and Häagen‐Dazs coffee ice cream. He will be missed. In his own words, he truly “could not have been better.”

In his honor, please VOTE and hug (very tightly) the people you love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in his honor or to the Alzheimer’s Association. A memorial service will be held at a later date.