Kenneth M. James, a longtime resident of the area, passed away at NYS Veterans Home at Montrose, NY on Friday, September 23, 2011. He was 70.

Kenneth was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 2, 1941 to the late Kenneth M. and Helen Sweet James.

Kenneth was retired sergeant from the U.S. military after serving 20 years. He served in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and the National Guard. He served in Vietnam, and guarded the president at the embassy. He was named “Marine of the Year.”

Kenneth was a member of St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, Narrowsburg, NY. He was a member of VFW.

A family statement reads: “Kenneth was a loving and devoted father, brother, uncle and great uncle. He instilled great values in our family and he will greatly be missed.”

Kenneth is survived his son Kenneth James of New Jersey; daughter Jennifer James of Warwick, NY; sister Patricia Wyss and husband Fran of Narrowsburg; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Kenneth is predeceased by his parents; and brothers: William and Robert James..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 27 at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, Narrowsburg. Rev. William Scully O.F.M. will officiate.

Christian burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Narrowsburg, NY.

Donations may be made to The New York State Veterans Home at Montrose, 2090 Albany Post Road, Montrose, NY 10548.