James "Roger" Kennedy

James Roger Kennedy, 80, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away in his home, March 29th. Roger was born November 21, 1940, in Baker, Oregon, to George and Maxine (Wanker) Kennedy. He was the youngest of four children, born after an older brother, Robert, and two older sisters, Donna and Marilyn. He graduated from Baker High School in 1959, then started his college education at Eastern Oregon State College. He returned to Baker in 1960 to take over the family business after his father's health declined. In 1961 He became the sole owner of Kennedy's Eastside Grocery. On August 1, 1964, Judy Kennedy became his wife. They raised four sons, Rick, Ryan, Kyle & Kevin.
Roger was widely known throughout Baker City for his fun-loving personality, especially by students of Brooklyn Elementary school who would stop by every day for their candy fix. When he could get away from the store, he enjoyed scenic drives throughout Eastern Oregon and short day hikes. He loved music, especially Elvis, and played numerous instruments, including the guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, or juice harp. He also loved learning about American history and collected rare coins.

Roger was preceded in death by George, Maxine, Robert, Judy, and sister Marilyn.
He is survived by his sister Donna, his four children, and two grandchildren. The family sincerely appreciates all of the wonderful help he received from his friends and the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center.
To honor Roger's wishes we will not be having a service. However, a short, informal, celebration of life picnic will be held Friday, June 11th at noon, at Geiser-Pollman Park. It will be a no-host BYOP (bring your own picnic), due to Covid issues. If you would like to join, please pack a lunch and bring a picnic blanket or camp chair.
You can also pay tribute by leaving a note on his digital tribute wall, donating to Northeast Oregon Compassion Center through Grays West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814, or "plant a tree" in memory of Roger.