Dr. Janie Kenner

A scholarship honoring James T. Kenner was established by Lucy and Richard DeWitt and Tem-Kil Company, Inc. (KFC). James was employed by Lucy and Richard Dewitt of Nacogdoches, Texas. He was employed during the formative years of the business and worked in the business for 38 years. Her served as Executive Vice President of the company and loved the challenge of seeing the business expand, and working with a variety of employees, store managers, and supervisors. His association with the Dewitt family enriched a rewarding career, and in deed, his life.
James was born and reared in Chireno, Texas. In 1954, he graduated from Chireno High School and was valedictorian of his class. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University one year and then completed business school. He stayed involved in Chireno by serving as president of the Chireno Upper Cemetery for over 10 years.
He married Janie Owens Kenner in 1964 and they were married 42 years. Two daughters, Melinda Kenner Wiebold and Audry Kenner Adams, completed their family. In addition, they have three grandchildren, Jessica Wiebold, Taylor Adams, and Leighton Adams. He was a family-oriented man and loved to host family gatherings and was always willing to lend a helping hand when a need arose.
James loved to play dominoes and played weekly. He and Paul Kendrick played in numerous tournaments in the south, even winning an international tournament. He found great joy in working with young people and was active in the youth program at Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He had a passion for baseball and softball and actively played until he was 55 years old. As a coach of little league, both males and females, he shared his skill and love of the game. In addition, he served as president of the Nacogdoches County Girls Softball League for many years.