James "Jim" Kennaday

James “Jim” Lennon Kennaday, 76, passed away at his home in Saratoga on Wednesday, August 25, 2010.  He was born November 24, 1933 to Edward Thomas & Alice Marie (Mannahan) Kennaday in Saratoga at their home. He was a Wyoming native.

Jim graduated with the Saratoga High School class of 1952. He married Rose Ellen Forrest on July 28, 1954 and they had five children: Janet, Shelly, Jamie, Jimi, and Ed. They were married for 21 years and during this time, he drove a log truck and worked various other jobs when it wasn’t possible to get into the forest.  One of those part-time jobs turned into a second career for 16 years as Chief of Police for the Town of Saratoga.

On August 30, 1975, he married Janet G. (Herring) Smith. She had one son, Ron Smith. After Jim’s retirement from the Saratoga Police Department in 1984, they ran a successful firewood business for many years. He also drove truck supplying road and bridge construction jobs.

He was a member of  IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) Lodge #43 and served as Nobel Grand twice. The first time in 1958 and the second time in 1962.  He was a volunteer for the National Weather Service and the community of Saratoga for 31 years. In recognition of his dedication, he received the 1995 John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding accomplishment in the field of meteorological observations.

Jim was a great outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. His greatest passion was driving big trucks. In his younger days, he loved dancing, riding horses & bulls and competition roping.

He is survived by 6 children: Janet, Saratoga, WY, Shelly, Arvada, CO; Jamie Powell, Canon City, CO, Jimi Kennaday (Hazel, significant other), Quebec, WA; and Ed (Joni) Kennaday, Saratoga, WY; Ron Smith (Jenna, significant other) Gillette, WY. 8 grandchildren: Nate Kennaday, Laramie, Amber (Marc) Meller, Colo. Springs, CO; Ryan Powell, Canon City, CO; Cheyanne Kennaday, Caitlyn Kennaday, and Jeramiah Kennaday, all of Colo. Springs, CO and Daniel (Becca) Smith, Gillette, WY; 7 great-grandchildren: Sistene, Logan, and Lukas Meller, Skylar, Autumn Powell, and Makaila, Zach Smith.

Jim was the last living member of his family

(parents and siblings). A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Saratoga Cemetery chapel with The Rev. Dr. Peggy Hotchkiss, Officiant and

Mr. Loren “Teense” Willford, Musician . Inurnment for Jim and Janet G. will be in the Kennaday Family plot at the Saratoga Cemetery.  This service will be live streamed. Connect by visiting www.jacobycares.com. Their online guest books can also be signed there. Following the Celebration of Life, a no-host luncheon will be held at Firewater Restaurant, 110 East Main Street, Saratoga.