Mr. James Gordon Kennedy, 98 years of Carthage, Missouri departed this life on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the St. Luke's Care Center in Carthage, Missouri. Gordon was born on April 11, 1911 in Hillsboro, Iowa son of the late Dwight and Martha (Ranson) Kennedy. He attended grade school in Mt. Hamill, Iowa and was a graduate of the Mt. Pleasant, Iowa high school. Gordon was united in marriage on September 6, 1932 to Margaret B. Beetow and they spent the next 70 years together until her passing in June of 2003. At the age of 18 years, Gordon moved to Elkhorn, Wisconsin to find work. He worked in the variety store business for 12 years and later was the owner/operator of a restaurant. Gordon retired from the Lake Lawn Lodge in 1979. Throughout his life he was a hard worker, devoted husband and a great provider for his two sons. Gordon will be missed by all his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Beetow on June 12, 2003; one brother; and two sisters. Gordon is survived by two sons, Gordon Kennedy and wife, Mary Alice, of Sacramento, California and Jim Kennedy and wife, Barbara, of Sarcoxie, Missouri; five grandsons; and several great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.