James H Kenny Jr

James Henry Kenny Jr. was born October 20, 1958, to Frances Annette Kenny and the late James Henry Kenny Sr. in Indianapolis, Indiana. James was affectionately known as “Sonny” by mostly everyone who knew him.

Sonny was the oldest offspring of James Sr. and Frances. He had four other siblings, Peter, Mikey, Big Greg, and Chee-Chee. Growing up, Sonny was always the most warm-hearted of the five, and it was apparent that he had a heart of gold. While attending John James Audubon, School #38, he played the trumpet in the band class and was known to often “take up” for his brothers if anyone took issue with them. He definitely exuded the quality of a big brother throughout his high school years as he continued to display his undeniable affinity towards looking out for his little brothers as they all matriculated through Arsenal Technical High School.

Upon graduation, Sonny was hired by Rexnord Industries and remained there as an exemplary employee for over thirty years until his retirement in 2007. While employed by Rexnord, he was also an avid student at Ivy Tech Community College and enjoyed his coursework while taking History classes. He later earned his barber license from Indiana Barber College in 1990. As a tradesman in the barbering industry, Sonny was employed at Bussey and Harris Barbershop, Exclusive Cuts, and Kenny’s Barbershop.

Sonny was raised in a God-fearing home and was baptized as a teenager at Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Church. He later received the Holy Ghost at Grace Apostolic Church and was a proud and excited member of the Grace Bishop’s Choir. Sonny sang tenor in the choir and can be remembered for keeping up with the sway of the music while enjoying his worship. He loved the powerful and dynamic preaching of Bishop Golder and often recounted his favorite parts of Bishop’s sermons and his favorite songs with the Bishop’s Choir. His love for the music and word at Grace Apostolic Church ignited his desire to seriously pursue the trumpet. Sonny spent countless hours practicing and over the past twenty years has been sharing his musical gift, most recently with Christ Temple Apostolic, where he was an active member.

In 2003, Sonny met the love of his life, Toron Jackson of Indianapolis. The two were joined in holy matrimony and shared 17 years of adventure, laughter, and love. Although a man of few words, Sonny displayed his love for Toron openly to his family and friends and sought every occasion to honor her in word and deed. Sonny would take great care to ensure that his wife, mother, and sister felt endeared. He was an incredible husband who loved his wife as Christ loved the

church, a devoted son who attended to his mother daily, a loyal brother who defended and supported his siblings, and a beloved uncle who nurtured personal relationships with his many nieces and nephews.

While in the community, there was never an occasion in which someone did not recognize Sonny. He will forever be regarded as “everyone’s favorite,” as he was truly beloved by his family, friends, co-workers, clients, community members, and church family. Everyone will always remember him for his style, sense of humor, good-nature, genuineness, and gentle spirit.

Sonny transcended this life ‘round about midnight on December 30, 2020, after a valiant effort and well-lived life.

James H. Kenny Jr. leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Toron U. Jackson-Kenny; his beloved mother, Frances A. Kenny; five siblings: Peter D. Kenny Sr. (Belinda), Greg M. Kenny (Terry), Sheila E. Kenny, Tamalar D. Rouse, and Tolunda M. Jackson. He is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his father, James H. Kenny, Sr. and his brother, Michael F. Kenny.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4 KJV

The service will be accessible on Saturday, January 23, 2021 on Zoom,
Meeting ID: 898 1418 0865
Passcode: 175223

Virtual Viewing: 11:00-12:00
Virtual Service: 12:00 p.m.