James Charles Francis Patrick “Jim” Kenalty, 67, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away on June 6, 2026.
Jim was born on November 15, 1958, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, to John and Teresa Kenalty. From an early age, he was known for his adventurous spirit, quick wit, mischievous personality, and strong work ethic that would define him throughout his life.
Jim married Ellen, and together they began their family in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, before moving to Texas in 1988. After arriving in Texas, Jim began working at Star Ranch, a youth home for boys with special needs, where he helped build the campus from the ground up. Through hard work, he became Director of Building and Maintenance and later served as Director of Development, helping secure the support and resources that allowed the ranch to continue its mission. It was during this time, through determination and countless hours of self-teaching, that he learned computer-aided drafting (CAD) and designed many of the buildings on the property himself.
Following his years at Star Ranch, Jim founded Riverside Home Designs, where he spent the remainder of his career designing residential and commercial properties earning the National AIBD award among others.
Jim was a builder in every sense of the word. He built two of his family homes himself, handcrafted furniture, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and never stopped teaching himself new skills. If there was something he wanted to learn, he figured it out.
More than anything, Jim was the person family and friends called when they needed help. Whether someone needed tools, advice, a place to stay, a helping hand, or simply someone to solve a problem, Jim was always willing to lend his time, talents, and generosity.
Outside of work, Jim loved riding his motorcycle, traveling all over the world, returning often to Canada to visit family and lifelong friends. He enjoyed spending time at the VFW, relaxing on the back porch and attending St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Kenalty; his daughter, Ashlea Martin; his son, Curtis John Patrick Edward Kenalty; his stepdaughters, Kylie and Kelsey Tucker; his new cherished granddaughter, Charlotte Martin; his siblings, Robert “Bob” Kenalty, Marlene Kenalty, Karen Kenalty, and Francis “Frank” Kenalty; and many extended family members and dear friends in both Canada and the United States.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at the church immediately following the service, with a full reception to follow at the VFW, where family and friends are invited to continue sharing memories and celebrating Jim’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Hill Country Youth Ranch, which serves the same cause that remained close to Jim’s heart throughout his life.
Jim will be remembered as hardworking, generous, stubborn, funny, and adventurous. He built a successful life on his own terms, and his legacy lives on not only in the homes and buildings he created, but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.