James Joseph Kearney

Jim "Pappy" Kearney, 87, of Glenwood, Maryland, passed away on May 31, 2024. He was born on October 19, 1936, in Scranton, PA, to the late James Francis Kearney and Rose (McGuire) Kearney. Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Lawrence and Stephanie Kearney; his son-in-law, Greg Lawrence; beloved granddaughters, Morgan and Taylor Lawrence; and the mother of his children, Melanie Medicus. Jim is also survived by his nieces, Kathleen (Miller) Foy and Donna Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, Mary Alice (Kearney) Miller, and niece, Mary Carol (Miller) Malone.

Jim grew up on Milton Avenue in East Baltimore and attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He sold newspapers at Memorial Stadium and was a huge fan of the Baltimore Colts and Baltimore Orioles. He was a proud Army veteran, beginning his service in 1959 as a draftsman. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He was the first motorcycle dealer in Baltimore, owning American Kawasaki and Baltimore Cycles in the 1970s and 1980s. He loved sharing his stories about his days at the dealerships with his friends and family.

Jim was the consummate family man. His family was his greatest joy. When his children were young, he enrolled them in sports, knowing that it would teach them the life lessons of teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity. He was always present. He attended every game and practiced with them constantly in the yard. Jim loved playing golf and taught his daughters the game, instilling his passion for the game in the entire family. Pappy was also a wonderful grandfather to his granddaughters and took great pride in attending all of their recitals, graduations, and school events. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He will be remembered as a family man and friend to many.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, June 9th, from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a service at 5 pm at Harry H Witzke's Funeral Home at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Jim's wishes are to be laid to rest among his fellow veterans. A private military burial will take place on Tuesday, June 11th at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Maryland.

Jim "Pappy" Kearney will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

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