John "Jake" Eugene Kennedy III

July 19, 2022

CHARLOTTE – John “Jake” Eugene Kennedy III, 53, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after his battle with prostate cancer. 

Jake was born on May 22, 1969 in Baltimore, MD the firstborn child of John and Marylou Kennedy. He was big brother to his eight siblings.  Jake enjoyed cars, technology, and was an expert on a variety of niche topics.  He was known to many as someone who would offer advice and share his own experiences to help others through tough times or fix a problem with them if they were struggling.  Jake was loving, intentional, and generous with his time and energy.   

Jake was the Director of Application Development for TIAA Kaspick where he began working in 2014.  During those years, Jake was involved in all technology projects, big and small.  He was thoughtful, creative, and dedicated to balancing technical best practices with business and client needs.  He was a supportive team manager, colleague, and friend.

Jake is survived by his father, John Eugene Kennedy, Jr.; his eight younger siblings, Colleen Kennedy Malcolm, Maura Lever and her husband, Brent, Bonnie Tuttle and her husband, Steve, Chrissie Maurer and her husband Jason, Tommy Kennedy and his wife, Melissa, David Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, Katie Kennedy and Kelly Wilson and her husband, Chris; twenty-five nieces and nephews and his beloved 3-year-old Cavapoo, Pongo.  Also surviving are his long-standing friends and his strong community of caring neighbors.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Marylou (McRann) Kennedy.

Jake was well loved and will be missed by all who loved him deeply. 

Memorial services will be held in honor of Jake in both Charlotte, NC and Ann Arbor, MI with details to follow at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Hunter Wiley

    Jake was a good friend and a wonderful neighbor. I truly miss our daily walks with our dogs and the long conversations we had on an endless number of topics. I had a deep respect for Jake because of his empathy toward others and his practical approach to EVERYTHING. Jake was one of those well informed people who was well versed on practically ANY subject. I still face daily challenges where I have to ask myself "What would Jake do?". He was the best person to get advice on whether it was a second opinion on a wiring job or what tool to use for a complicated project. He had a knack for sending you in the right direction without making you feel foolish! Jake was a very private individual, but once he let you into his circle it was clear that he had a HUGE heart. He was a big presence in our close knit neighborhood and we all miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend.

  • Marv Adams

    Jake was a quiet, deep thinking, highly competent and trustworthy individual, personally and professionally. I met him when he was a young teenager and I was an IBM "PC expert", not long after this technology was introduced to the market. It didn't take long before Jake surpassed my expertise. He will be missed by many, but especially by his loving family.

  • Hugh & Cheryl Mensch

    Jake was a great guy, but a terrible golfer. Nevertheless, he played with enthusiasm and I enjoyed the time we spent together at the summer golf outings. He fought a long fight; he's finally free of the pain. His life was unique and deserves to be celebrated. Our thoughts are with his family.

  • Judy Mayo

    The neighborhood will never be the same without Jake. He and Pongo were the border guards, welcoming committee and patrol captains. I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face and having great conversations. He helped in so many ways, especially with cars. I loved hearing his enthusiastic stories about the cars he collected. His cheerfulness, friendliness and warmth are deeply missed, and I still look for him and Pongo walking down the street. We love you Jake.

  • Vani Hari

    I will never forget Jake winning our Halloween costume contest dresses as the pillsbury dough boy … only later to show me a picture of him dressed in the same costume as a tiny baby. We will miss seeing him on our daily walks and his incredible kindness towards our children.

  • Lynn and Judy Ott

    Chrissie and Jason, I'm so sorry to read of your brother's passing. May our Loving Lord wrap His arms around you and all of the family for the many days and months to come. With deep sympathy.

  • Christy Thomas

    Dear Kennedy Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you as you ride the waves of grief.

  • Sarah Kennedy

    My heart goes out to the Kennedy family as you mourn the loss of Jake. I only met Jake a few times at family functions, but as a sister with older brothers, I could see the big brother in him. He will be missed.