James Blair "Chooch" Kennedy Jr.

James Blair “Chooch” Kennedy Jr. died peacefully in his home on September 9, 2019. Born on September 22, 1950, Chooch was predeceased by his parents, James Blair Kennedy Sr. and Bebita Corya Kennedy. Chooch is also preceded in death by siblings, Carol Ann and John Wesley Kennedy (Terri Sigman-Kennedy).

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Marie Murphy Kennedy and his only son, James Blair Kennedy III. Chooch is survived by sister, Corya Kennedy Channing, as well as uncles, Bob Corya and Ed Kennedy; by in-laws brother, Marty Murphy and wife, Peggy Murphy; and sisters, Helen Murphy Brunk, Tracy Murphy Brown, Angela Murphy Quigley, and husband, Chris Quigley.

Chooch was a beloved uncle himself to nieces and nephews, Derek James Kennedy, Timothy Martin “Tim” Delaney, Terrence Patrick Delaney, Courtney Eileen Mink, Christopher Ryan “Chris” Delaney, Ryan Martin Murphy, Amanda Marie Murphy, Lauren Alane Akney, Joseph Allen “Joey” Brunk II, Samantha Murphy “Sam” Brown, Alexandra Jacqueline “Alex” Brown, Zachary Edward “Zach” Brown, and John Anthony “Johnny” Brunk.

Chooch was a nickname he gained after playing football for his running style similar to a train. After awhile it became the moniker that he lived with for his adult life. Chooch was a man of many different skills including music and carpentry. With his music and gift for entertainment, he sang his way into the hearts of all his fans. His band, Chooch and the Enchanters, played for many years all over Indianapolis and around the state of Indiana. He also was the opening act for The Bob & Tom All-Star Band. He worked alongside many of the greats in Rock N’ Roll, including Stevie Ray Vaughn and others. When Chooch was playing, everyone was guaranteed to have a great time.

He was happiest when holding a guitar, or humming on a harmonica, singing a song, a radio jingle or crooning with a big band. He could entertain thousands of people with his versions of the great Rock N’ Roll tunes of the era, plus the soulful standards of virtually any era. He even mastered the use of electronic accompaniment to perform as a solo act when the occasion warranted.

Chooch was also a master carpenter, adding on to his own house, renovating his mother’s home in Irvington and installing above ground pool liners all over the Indianapolis area. His solutions to problems were always creative and economical, yet plausible.  He truly was a handy-man to have around.

Chooch graduated from Noblesville High School in 1968 and attended Indiana University. While in Bloomington, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He also took classes at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and especially good times in Florida with his wife and son during Christmas holidays.

Chooch was an avid sports fan loyally following the Indianapolis Colts, Butler and Indiana University basketball, and never missing the latest PGA tournament. Chooch was an avid golfer, playing since the age of 7.  He never turned down the chance for a fun game of Yahtzee either around the family dining table. Home Place in Carmel was his neighborhood for more than 40 years, where everyone knew his name.

Chooch would want to be remembered as a devoted father, loving husband, a supportive brother, and as a loyal friend to many more. Chooch would also hope that these individuals reflect on the way he lived his life everyday with infectious enthusiasm and immense pride. Memorial services for Chooch will be a celebration of life party from 2-5 PM at Pebble Brook Golf Club on September 22nd.

The family would like to thank Elara Caring Hospice Indiana and Pebble Brook Golf Club for sponsoring Chooch's celebration of life party.