Jim Kennedy was a member of the Pine-Richland Rams soccer program, class of 1999. He was a four year varsity starter, four year letter winner, and co-captain for the Rams in 1998 during his senior year. He was an All-Section selection for three straight years as well as a two time All-WPIAL player. In addition, he has the distinction of holding school records for career assists (76), assists in a season (27), and assists in a game (7). He finished his career in November 1998 with 204 points (64 goals & 76 assists).

Jimmy’s life came to an abrupt end in a tragic car accident on December 23rd 1998. He touched the hearts of many through soccer, through school, and overall being a fantastic friend. In his memory, Jim’s number 7 was retired from Pine-Richland Varsity Soccer during halftime of the newly renamed James R Kennedy Memorial Tournament in September 1999. Number 7 will no longer appear in a Pine-Richland soccer game, but it will always be in our hearts.

In 1999, contributions were made in memory of Jim Kennedy to start the James R Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Fund, designed to provide a financial scholarship, awarded to graduating senior soccer player at the end of each school year. Since inception, funding for the scholarship has been provided by a portion of the proceeds from the James R. Kennedy / Pine-Richland Soccer Boosters Tournament and donor contributions. In, 2008 marked the inaugural James R. Kennedy Memorial Golf Classic with all proceeds donated directly to the scholarship fund. Both events continue to be extremely successful and we hope that they will continue for many years to come.

To date the JRK Memorial Scholarship fund has awarded over $88,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at Pine-Richland High School.

Anthony Portuesi, Matt Crummy, Joe Gramc

JRK Scholarship Trustees
PRHS Class of 1999

*The JRK Memorial Scholarship Fund is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.