James Robert Kendall

James Robert Kendall, 66, died May 14, 2014 at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida, Jim lived in Burlington, Wisconsin most of his life. Born on June 19, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Elaine Napoleon and Wilmer Kendall, the family moved to Burlington when Jim was 2 years old. Following graduation from Burlington High School, Jim enlisted in the US Army and completed a tour in Viet Nam. Jim lost his hearing and received a Purple Heart when the jeep on which he was the machine gunner hit a landmine. A major highlight of the past year for Jim was re-uniting with his bunk mate and best buddy he had met in Viet Nam. Jim had lost all contact with Steve for over 40 years due to the fact that they were both injured a day apart in Viet Nam and communication was not good. In September 2013, Steve found out how ill Jim was and flew from California to Wisconsin so they could reunite and enjoy reminiscing. Jim worked in the building trades and had various jobs over the years ultimately becoming interested in Public Works and worked in that industry in the Village of Richmond, IL; Town of Geneva and City of Racine in Wisconsin. Jim married Marcia Knappmiller Manuell on July 14, 1990, and together they built their home in rural Burlington, WI where they lived until retiring and being seasonal residents of West Palm Beach. With marriage Jim became an instant stepfather to Nancy, Becky and Lindy and grandfather to Joshua. Jim's interests were many and whatever group in which he became involved, he always participated to the fullest. Jim was a Big Brother, a member of the Burlington Sno Snoopers Snowmobile Club, taught Snowmobile Safety for the Wisconsin DNR for over 1,000 students, and was a Road Captain for the Racine Chapter of the Harley Owners Group. He enjoyed volunteering at the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce and spent every May helping out in various ways at Burlington's ChocolateFest. Shortly after becoming a seasonal resident in Florida, Jim became a member of the Corvette Club of the Palm Beaches and participated in the annual car show on Clematis as well as other activities. Jim was an avid deer hunter, both with gun and bow, enjoyed venison brats and sausage and had many jackets made from the tanned deer skin for himself and others. Always inventive, Jim designed items for hunting and the motorcycle that he would later see for sale. So, when he designed Shield-Trim for the big Harley Davidsons, he and Marcia patented the product and formed their company JM-Krome, Inc. They were vendors at many State Rallies and traveled to Sturgis, South Dakota for the week-long motorcycle rally there for several years Jim is survived by his wife Marcia, daughters Nancy (Robert ) Conley, Becky Albert (Clint Breed) , Lindy (Joseph) Conley, grandchildren Joshua Martinez, Cassie Manuell and P.J. Albert; Cody and Christopher Conley; Remi, Raegan and Ryah Conley and two great granddaughters Adiana and Isabella Martinez. He is also survived by two sisters Patricia Kendall, Carol (Kevin) Brierly and 3 nephews Michael, Ben and Andrew Brierly, and one brother Richard. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Wellington, FL with visitation 11:30, service 12:30, and Veteran's Service at the South Florida National Veterans' Cemetery on State Road 7 at 2:30. A gathering at Marcia's home in West Palm Beach will follow the services.