James (Jim) Kevin Kenny (SPC 1943-47, PY1948)
July 31, 2023
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Old Collegian James (Jim) Kevin Kenny (SPC 1943-47, PY1948) who passed away on 22 April 2023, aged 93 years.
Jim’s funeral was held on 5 May at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Doubleview, Perth WA.
Jim was an architect and moved to Perth in 1965 and became chief architect of the WA Housing Commission in the 1980s.
Jim was married to Mary, who sadly passed away in November 2020 and they have five children, Damian, Marita, Anthony (dec), Bernadette and Brendan.
Jim, pictured in his Leaving class photograph in the 1947 College Annual.
Jim was a SPC boarder from Yarraweyah, near Strathmerton, in far north Victoria, along with his brothers, Byrne (SPC 1941-44) and Peter (SPC 1945-49).
Jim completed his Leaving certificate and was a talented sportsman.
He was a member of the SPC First XVIII Football Team in 1947 and was regularly named as one of the team’s best players.
In the 1947 College Annual, it was noted that James “held the responsible position of centre half-forward in championship style. Noted for his tremendous pace and dash. Marked and kicked well.”
He was awarded the Football sports prize, the Morris Cup for Best Forward in 1947.
Jim was a member of SPC’s First XVIII Football Team in 1947.
Jim was also a member of the SPC Senior Football Team, which was crowned champions of the Ballarat Public Schools competition in 1946.
In 1946, he was described in the College Annual as “a great trier. Keen and determined. Played brilliant games on the half-back flank”.
Jim also played in the SPC Senior Football Team, which were crowned Champions of the Ballarat Public Schools competition, in 1946.
Jim was also a member of the SPC Athletic Team, which competed at both the Melbourne and Ballarat Combined Sports.
He was a handy runner, gaining placings in the open 100 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards, hurdles, broad jump, weight putt and relay championship.
His performance in the 440 yards race in the Ballarat Combined Sports competition in 1947 must have been full of high nerves, as it was noted in the College Annual with the following recorded “Perhaps the most gruelling race of the day was the 440 yards, in which Ken Lucas (Grammar School) defeated Jim Kenny, second, and Ray Tatchell, third”.
Jim was also involved in other activities during his boarding life at SPC, including the Sodality of Our Lady.
Jim, pictured in the SPC Athletics team, which competed at the Melbourne Combined Sports, in 1947.
Jim was also a member of the Sodality of Our Lady during his time as a student at SPC.