John Joseph Kennedy III, age 61, of Newport News, VA, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Born on January 23, 1964, in Troy, New York, John was the beloved child of John Kennedy Jr. (Jack) and was preceded in death by his treasured mother, Judith Kennedy. He grew up traveling as his dad served in the US Navy.
John married Barbara on August 24, 2012, in Newport News, Virginia, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and travel. They spent 21 years together and were married for almost 13 years. John has four precious daughters to cherish his memory: Raven Gardner (Jason), Ericka Jurist (Jared), Olivia Grace, and Harper Estelle. He was a proud and loving Papa to Wyatt Gardner, Charlotte Gardner, Luca Jurist, and was excitedly awaiting the arrival of Milo Jurist. He shared love and many stories with his two younger brothers, Robert (Bobby) Kennedy (Tammy) and Charles (Charlie) Kennedy (Jennifer), as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He left behind too many friends to count—each one with a story, a laugh, or a memory of the good times they shared.
John worked as the General Manager of Art Newsome, Incorporated, where he dedicated himself to his work and was respected for his leadership, hard work, and sense of humor. He spent over 30 years helping the region and going above and beyond for customers, family, and friends.
A lifelong fan of rock bands like KISS and Foo Fighters, he enjoyed playing guitar, going to concerts, taking the kids and grandkids on adventures, and keeping his hair immaculate. His family and friends will remember him for his sense of humor, kindness, and the way he loved and led with humility, never expecting anything in return. He had the rare gift of making people feel important, greeting you by name, looking you in the eye, listening with intention, and remembering the details that others might forget. His daughters will remember him for all of those things, but also for his unrelenting and unconditional love.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Peninsula Funeral Home at 5:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite band t-shirt in his honor and share their favorite memories of him.
“There goes my hero, he’s ordinary.”
18 Comments
Miss you John, love ya!!!
Barbara & Family ,
I can’t kind the words to show you how sorry I am .. Your loss is immense, and my heart aches for you and your family.. We pray during this difficult time, that you may find solace in the many memories shared, strength in the love of those around you, and comfort in the knowledge that John will forever live on in all of our hearts .. Love you
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be
comforted.” Matthew 5:4
John was one of the kindest men I’ve known. He truly cared for people and attempted to help them in anyway he could. I will miss his kind smile.
Good night sweet prince, thank you for being you in this crazy world, am so thankful to have had the time with you, prayers to your family and friends for strength during this time.
John was awesome! He had a heart of gold. He was a great Friend.
John, you and my brother were running around buddies and inseparable growing up. May God pour his everlasting love and comfort on your family.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
John was a remarkable man .He loved Barbara and all 4 of his girls so much.If you spoke of them his eyes would light up.He was a awesome friend and part of our family and his daughter Ericka and my Amber were best friends Amber took so many vacations with them and they always made of her feel she was a part of their family.John sent us on a many of concerts with his free tickets he would share with many people.Prayers for all our hearts are also broken
Dear Family,
John was a childhood friend. He always had this great genuine smile. I fondly remember the time we spent together. My sincere sympathy and my wish that the memories of his spirit of adventure will always remain clear
John was a great mentor and friend. This world has truly lost an asset and guiding hand it so desperately needs at this time. His gentle nature and tact is truly a gods gift that we can only aspire to reach as normal men! That being said John would love everyone to enjoy a great cup of cheese and enjoy a juice box ya bunch of juice boxes! Just a nod! He will be greatly missed and admired!
Barbara, I am so very sorry to hear about John. Please know I am here if you need anything. Big hugs to you and your family. Love ya girl.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s promise to wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. – Revelation 21:4 Condolences
John was a great friend and encourager during my life in the HVAC business. He was always speaking into me, so kind to me, uplifting me, believing in me and my future in the HVAC business. I am so very grateful to have had him in my life.
I would like to thank his family for the time they let him invest into our industry, WE are all better off from it. He was one of my favorite people in our industry. I am not the only person that he invested into within our industry. …. Chuck Worley
Within minutes of meeting John, you knew he was one of the nicest, kindest people around. His love and devotion for Barbara and his girls was a beautiful thing to see and I feel honored to have known such a good man. Deepest sympathies.
Barbara and family, please know that God is by your side and he shall remain, may you feel his love, comfort and strength with every moment of the day. John will forever reside in our hearts as he was well loved and a blessing to so many people. His welcoming spirit along with his eagerness and willingness to help shall never be forgotten.
I am 1 phone call away if you or the girls should need anything, a shoulder or a laugh?
Love you Sister and May John Rest well in Heaven.
Heartfelt Condolences
Tia Marie
John was the best.. Smart, funny, kind, thoughtful.. We kept in touch by text and he always peppered it with pics and stories of his girls – he was so proud..! We shared a love of music and comedy that I will always miss.. Love you always JK
To the Kennedy Family, I am so sorry for the loss of John. May wonderful memories be with you always. Your family will be in my prayers.
Such a kind man. I just knew Barbara! Harper is so blessed to have him for as long as she did. My heart pours out to you and yours