James "Radio" Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Radio Kennedy
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| Born |
James Kennedy
October 14, 1946 Anderson, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | December 15, 2019 (aged 73) Anderson, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Known for | Association with the T. L. Hanna High School football team; Subject of Radio |
James "Radio" Kennedy (born October 14, 1946 – died December 15, 2019) was a special person from Anderson, South Carolina. He had an intellectual disability, which means his brain worked a bit differently. Radio became famous for his strong connection with the football team at T. L. Hanna High School.
His story was so inspiring that it became a big movie in 2003 called Radio. In the film, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. played Radio. Before the movie, a writer named Gary Smith wrote an article about Radio for Sports Illustrated magazine in 1996.
Contents
Radio's Early Life
James Robert Kennedy was born on October 14, 1946. His parents were Bill Kennedy and Janie Mae Bolden Greenlee. He grew up in Anderson, South Carolina. James had two brothers named George and Walter.
How He Got His Nickname
Radio earned his special nickname in the mid-1960s. He often showed up at the T.L. Hanna High School football field. He always carried a small transistor radio with him. This is how everyone started calling him "Radio."
A Special Friendship
In 1964, Radio became good friends with the high school's football coach, Harold Jones. Their friendship was very strong and became the main idea for the 2003 movie Radio. In the film, Ed Harris played Coach Jones.
In 1965, Radio became an unofficial student at T.L. Hanna High School. He was like a permanent junior, meaning he would always be part of the school. He never had to graduate or leave. He was a beloved part of the school community for many years.
Honoring Radio's Legacy
Radio's impact on the school and community was huge. In 2006, a statue of Radio was put up at the T.L. Hanna High School football stadium. This statue honors his lasting spirit. In 2016, Radio was also added to the T.L. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame. This showed how much he meant to the school's sports history.
His Final Years
Radio passed away on December 15, 2019, in Anderson, South Carolina. He was 73 years old. At the time of his passing, he was living with his brother George and his niece Jackie. Radio's life touched many people and his story continues to inspire.
