John David Kennedy

John David Kennedy, 53, of North Aurora, a long-time community member of Batavia passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, following a tragic accident. John was born May 30, 1969, the son of John David., Sr. and Marilyn Grace (Murphy) Kennedy. 

John was a loving soul who had an endearing heart and a “Grateful” love for all people. John loved his family, friends, and community. He cherished relationships and valued his thousands of conversations with people daily. John’s love for all things fun, lead him to 36 Indianapolis 500 races, countless Grateful Dead shows, many other concerts, hundreds of fishing trips, and more stories than anyone will ever have time to hear about. John loved the simple things in life, camping, fishing, and the outdoors which was also the perfect venue for John to share time with family and friends.

John has been employed since 1996, by the City of Batavia.  He has held many positions in the Streets and Engineering Department.  Since 2006, John has served as the Senior engineering assistant.  John had an unforgettable sense of humor and a huge smile who brought a warm personality into every occasion. He was a problem solver who put his community first.  He will be dearly missed by his countless co-workers, construction contractors, engineers, business owners and community members, who John all considered his friends.     

He is survived by his adored girlfriend, Chrissa Simkins; his loving children; Ashley (Dylan Woods) Kennedy; Joshua Kennedy and Jackson Kennedy; his mother Marilyn Kennedy; sister Debra (Steve) Tinsley; his brother-friend, Todd (Carrie) Smith; two nephews, Christin Keniston, and Michael Tinsley; his aunt Patricia Reed; and his four cousins, Wendy, Karen, Colleen, and Kathleen. 

He is preceded in death by his father, John David Kennedy, Sr., his uncle Dave Reed and his motherly-friend Patricia Smith. 

Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Batavia Moose Lodge 1535 South Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL.  At 1:00 P.M. there will be a time for family and friends to share memories and stories of John’s life.

The Kennedy family ask that everyone celebrate John’s life in the most “Grateful” way possible. On both Friday and Saturday visitors, family, and friends, please where your favorite tie-dyed clothing, Birkenstock sandals or flip flops, shorts, and anything Grateful Dead to honor and celebrate John’s life.

John loved animals as much as he loved most people so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue https://mlrr.org/