Kenneth "Kenny" B. James

Kenneth B. James, 79, of Bedford, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Bedford Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born June 2, 1944, in Forest Hill, MD, son of the late David and Elizabeth (Buchanan) James. He married Susan Pace on January 28, 1967, in Houston, TX. 

Surviving are his wife and three daughters: Hannah Dunlap and husband James of Pittsburgh, PA; Molly James of San Francisco, CA; and Ellen Mbuqe and husband Sipho of Syracuse, NY; six grandchildren: Sadie and James Dunlap, Kai and Makenna Myers and Yoliswa and Zola Mbuqe; two sisters: Elizabeth Wellborn and Anne Duncan, a brother Joseph James and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Lia Myers, two brothers, David and Allen, and two sisters, Janie and Nancy.

Kenny was a 1962 graduate of Bel Air High School (MD) and attended Texas Tech University and Frostburg State University, receiving a B.S. degree in Sociology. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era.

He owned and operated a dairy farm and was a founding member of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America. He traveled the country judging Jack Russell meets and shows, offering expert advice on raising and working with the dogs.

Kenny was an avid reader and happiest when he was outdoors, whether he was gardening, hunting or planting a cornfield. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and was always lots of fun to be around. Being extremely creative, Kenny made paintings, sculptures, built furniture, restored antiques, and wrote a book of hunting stories featuring his pack of Jack Russell terriers.  

The family extends their deepest gratitude to UPMC Family Hospice of Central Pennsylvania for their dedicated care and support during his illness. Donations can be made in memoriam to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth "Kenny" B. James, please visit our floral store.