Josiah Webb “J.W.” Kennedy
March 6, 1988 – October 14, 2026
On October 14, 2026, the world lost a bright light and beautiful, loving soul as Josiah Webb (J.W.) Kennedy left the shackles of this flesh and ran into the arms of Jesus.
Josiah was a tall, lean, freckled fellow with an infectious grin, incredibly deep dimples, and a hug that many described as the best hug they had ever received. He was a gift to this world. He also struggled with addiction, and during those struggles, he leaned on his family and his Lord Jesus for strength and hope. Even so, it was BECAUSE of his struggles that Josiah knew how to love others well and developed such a huge heart. He had an incredible ability for finding the person in the room who needed kindness the most and providing it.
Although a graduate of Ruston High School and Northwestern University and an accomplished singer, actor, and photographer, Josiah was most proud of his role as “Uncle Siah” to his favorite young people, nieces and nephews Kaley, Kinsley, Stetson, Andy, Sloan, Logan, Luke, Auggie, Deuce, Rylin, Elijah, Aubrey, and Kolbie Kay.
He loved talking, listening to music, and baking cakes and cookies with his nieces and nephews. His homemade Brown Sugar Pound Cake was his “go-to gift” to folks, delivered with a huge “Josiah hug” and a handwritten note.
Josiah was also the family “baby whisperer.” He could magically soothe any fussy baby. It made him so proud to be able to do that.
Several activities Josiah loved were: turning up the music in the car and singing out loud —he and anyone with him – singing at the top of their lungs in the car! He loved cooking huge, delicious meals for his “people,” and long conversations around the table. He loved baking and talking to his precious nieces and nephews. And he ADORED CHRISTMAS!!!! He was the official Christmas tree & home decorator at the Kennedy house! He made the most magical candy-land outside and inside for his nieces and nephews and then went next door to help the neighbors with their lights. Josiah wanted to light up the whole world!!
And he WAS a true “light” in this world, because Josiah LOVED with ALL he had. His joy was infectious, and his absence has truly left a gaping hole in our hearts and in this world.
But we find our hope and peace in knowing that Josiah is with Jesus. He is finally healed, and finally free.
Josiah’s heroes were his grandparents, his mom and dad, and his brothers and sister.
He is survived by his grandfather, Tommy Liles; parents, Tim & Random; his brothers Micah, Caleb, and Ryan; his sister Charis; his beloved nieces and nephews; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.W. & Verlene Kennedy, and his grandmother, Linda Liles, aunts Donna Spangler and Jackie Martin, uncle Tommy Kennedy, and Suni Rayne Liles.
Funeral services are set for 2 o’clock on Wednesday, October 21st, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Reverends Donald Rudd, Walt Rogers, and Clay Russell will be officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Aaron Garrett, Easton Garrett, Jacob Branch, Chris Kennedy, Dustin Jenkins, Ty Garrett, David and Wesley Boersma, Daniel Spangler, Jason Spangler, Justin Holt, & Caleb Allen Kennedy.
The family would like to thank the staff of North Louisiana Medical Center, Willis Knighton North SCIU, and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.