Tributes

James Peeler “Pete” Kennedy III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on July 7, 1941, in Alpine, Texas, Pete lived a life defined by devoted service, deep family bonds, and an unshakable love for the things that brought him joy. Pete attended Southern Methodist University and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from October 25, 1964, to April 11, 1970, flying troops to Vietnam in support of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). He began working for American Airlines in 1964 and ultimately flew routes across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during a lengthy career that ended with his retirement from American Airlines on July 6, 2001 as American’s most “Senior Pilot #1”, a distinction he wore with quiet pride, a testament to decades of skill, dedication, and professionalism. Pete’s final flight was as Captain of a Boeing 777 from London to Dallas — and he rode off into the sunset from the DFW terminal on his horse! On the ground, Pete’s world revolved around three great loves. First and foremost was his family, whom he cherished above all else. He was also devoted to his dogs, and it was abundantly clear that the feeling was entirely mutual. And then there were the sporting clays — Pete lived for any chance to get outside with his shooting buddies and break clays, a passion born of his deep respect for the outdoors and his proud, lifelong advocacy for the Second Amendment. He was a strong conservative who stood firmly by his convictions. Pete is preceded in death by his parents, James Peeler Kennedy Jr. and Margery Kennedy (née Speer), and his brother, Charles Christopher Kennedy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia, who was faithfully by his side. He is also survived by his children, Tatijana Latimer, Alexandra Corwin (Timothy), Pete Kennedy IV (Ellie), and Cathy Wien (Kurt); eight grandchildren, Alexandra Griffiths (Tyler), Abigail Lemeshev, Abigail Cozette (Conrad), Rebekah Lemeshev, Madeline Kennedy, Beatrice Kennedy, Ryan Corwin, and Calvin Kennedy; as well as three great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2 PM at Mission Park Funeral Chapel Dominion, 20900 I-10, San Antonio, Texas. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather and honor a man who flew higher than most and loved deeper than all. Fair winds and clear skies, Pete. You’ve earned your final approach.

Tributes

James Peeler "Pete" Kennedy, III

July 7, 1941 - May 19, 2026