Unedited, Unfiltered, Living History

Oscar Willie Kennedy, Jr lived a good life. He was born in Richmond, VA 85 years ago. He passed away November 10th, 2020. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1953 and from Virginia Tech in 1957. During his career he exported livestock, working for the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Holstein-Friesian Association of America in Brattleboro, Vermont and later becoming one of the four founders of American Marketing Services International Incorporated in Richmond. Oscar and Betty's 3 kids are Will Kennedy, Jan Ernst and the late Zach Kennedy. Their 3 grandsons are Grayson (Kat), Forrest and Josh (Joanna). Pictured, left to right, (front) Will, Oscar and Debbie Kennedy, (back) Kat, Grayson, Joanna, Tim and Josh Ernst and Betty Kennedy. Not pictured: Forrest Ernst. Photographer: Jan Ernst.

Mr. John Wesley “Wes” Jones, Jr., age 98, of Union Level, VA was born on July 11, 1921 and passed away on May 27, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Bevelyn Glover Jones. He is survived by his two daughters: Theresa J. Shabenas of Bracey, VA. and Elaine J. Stepp and her husband Craig of Apex, NC; his two grandchildren: Christopher Jones and his wife Beth of South Hill, VA and Katherine Bagley and her husband Christopher of Lafayette, IN and his six great-grandchildren. Mr. Jones served proudly in the 358th Regiment 90th Infantry Division serving under the command of General George S. Patton. Mr. Jones takes great pride in the fact that he shook General Patton’s hand. In the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Jones was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war ended he was reassigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division to guard 13 top war criminals during the Nuremberg Trials. Mr. Jones was the eldest member of the South Hill American Legion Post 79 and a life long member of Zion United Methodist Church, Union Level, VA. He was an electrician by trade but his true passion was wood working.

These are the four eldest sons of James Earl Lantz (1925-2014) and Louise Christina Dinkel Lantz (1926-2018). This conversation was recorded on June 7, 2020, two days before Jim’s 70th birthday. Topics of discussion included their parents and grandparents, watchmaking, growing up across Keene, Brattleboro, and Newport, the role ski-jumping in the family, and meaningful moments in each of the brothers' lives. Pictured, left to right, with birthdays: Tom (05/12/53), Jim (06/09/1950), Doug (11/18/1956), and Dave (05/05/1952). Not present for the recording were the two youngest, Steve (08/13/1958) and Jeff (09/07/1962)