Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Jim when I first started working in Clay County as a Community Corrections Officer. Jim and I became friends and I often rode with him and Copper, both as a Corrections Officer and as a Reserve Deputy for Clay County. Being invited to attend Jim and Copper's service after they were murdered was a very high honour. Dave

Dave Pingenot
Community Corrections Officer

January 23, 2022

Such a Terrible thing to happen! Jim was a good officer, and a great man!

Anonymous
Friend

June 14, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Kenney,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your K-9 for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Clay County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 16, 2019

James was a friend to me and my family, and reached out to help foster children that we had. He did not have to do that, as it was not a part of his job, but he did it because he cared! Such a tragedy when he was killed just a few blocks from my house. There really are no words that can express the tragedy that this was.

Brice & Marissa
Friends

January 20, 2019

Bobby, Suzy...was just thinking about Jim today,as I do many many days. Didn't know this was here, glad I found it. He is in our thoughts & hearts forever & always. Great man, friend & officer....
I miss you.....

Jan Nichols
Family friend, Gary & Sue's Daughter

December 6, 2014

Dad, Yesterday marked 15 years since your life was taken. It was a rough day for sure! It never get's any easier. Each year around this time my heart grows sad. You would be proud to know I now have a K-9, Thor. He is a smart, beautiful GS and reminds me of my childhood and Baron. He is learning but it sure would be nice to have you here to help with his training! Miss you Dad!

Bob Kenney
Son

November 17, 2014

Rest in Peace, Deputy Kenney. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 3, 2014

Deputy Sheriff Kenney,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your K9 for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Clay County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

November 16, 2012

It's been 13 years.... yet today is one of the toughest for me. I can't explain it. This week you've been in my dreams and I've felt your presence while awake.
It saddens me as my grandson plays on the floor next to me with our dog. Your grandchildren never really knew you and your great grandchildren never will. On Earth that is.
I will never see the pride and joy in your eyes! And that really breakis my heart.
I miss you! I love you!
Suzie

Suzann Kenney Biggs
daughter

November 16, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 25, 2012

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 7, 2009

D/S Kenney & Copper, Rest In Peace & GOD BLESS YOU both!! Thank you for your service and thank you for being true HERO's in this crazy world we live in.

Detention Deputy G. Carew
Seminole County Sheriff's Office, FL J.E.P.C.F.

April 11, 2009

Dad, I think of you often. You would be very proud of your children and grandchildren. I met Caleb a couple of weeks ago to share his memories....he thought the world of you. I am very proud that you are my father! I love and miss you!
Love,
Suzie

SUzann Biggs
Daughter

August 20, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

Dad, It seems just like yesterday when I received the call. A call I never dreamed of getting. We all miss you! I am proud of you and the legacy you leave behind. Although my heart aches, I know I will see you again.

Bob Kenney
Son

November 26, 2007

The law enforcement community has not forgotten the memory of James Kenney or his loved ones. Certainly today is a difficult day. We are thinking of you.

Wife of an officer

November 16, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 24, 2007

Jim and I were good friends while working together at the Wichita Police Department in the 1960's. Thankfully, we had a chance to chat shortly before he fell in the line of duty. I think of him often, and I know he would enjoy knowing we still share "M.E." (his old knick-name) stories with others of our same vintage. He was a true orignial, a man of his word, an honest and hard working officer and a good friend. Rest well, old friend, you've certainly earned it.

John Dill
X-WPD, Retired Special Agent NCIS

May 28, 2007

May Our Lord bless both you and your faithful partner Copper.

November 16, 2006

To Deputy Kenney and Copper on the 7th anniversary of your last watch,
Heroes and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Continue your beat on Heavens Streets. Thank you brother for your service.

SPO
Salem, Va

November 16, 2006

Jim and copper it has been seven years and you are still missed by all of us at the LEC.

Friends and fellow officers at CYSO

November 15, 2006

Hey Grandpa, Just a little note to tell you that I really miss you. Thanks for always keeping me out of trouble although I wasn't really a trouble maker. I know I don't have to tell you this but grandma is doing just fine. We are trying to keep her company as much as possible. I guess when I join you in heaven, I will finally get to ride in your police car.

GRANDAUGHTER

June 26, 2006

To Deputy James Kenney, his family and friends, and fellow officers:

On this the sixth anniversary of your brutal murder, please know that you are remembered. Your valor and dedication are not forgotten. Rest in Peace, Deputy Kenney. Copper's dedication and loyalty are also honored as I am sure you would want.

May your family continue to be supported by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Deputy Kenney gave to his community and the citizens of Kansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 16,1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 17, 2005

Remembering you and Copper on the anniversary of your deaths. Time
does not lessen the pain or the depth of your sacrifice. Thank you
for your service and may God comfort
your loved ones.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 16, 2005

I grew up in Clay Center and knew Deputy Kenny very well. He and another deputy are the reason for my career choice today. I also worked at the vet clinic where Copper was brought the day that he was killed and I helped perform the autopsy on Copper. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of Jim and Copper and that day. I was 17 when Deputy Kenny was killed. He will remain forever in my heart and the hearts of those he touched. May his spirit and Copper's rest in everlasting peace. Deputy Kenny and Copper, I salute you.

SPC Jamie Burwell
United States Army Military Police

April 13, 2005