James M. “Jim” Kent, 92, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Anna (Bernie) Bernadine McGlone and Harold (Hal) Joshua Kent. He grew up during the Great Depression, his childhood shaped by hardship, resilience, and imagination. Despite living in poverty, he dreamed of becoming an Air Force pilot. His father worked as a refrigeration engineer, and his grandfather had been a telegraph operator—early influences that sparked Jim’s lifelong fascination with mechanics, communication, and technology.

Jim shared a close bond with his elder sister, Dorothy K. Kent, who introduced him to libraries, concerts, museums, and Detroit’s grand Art Deco movie palaces. These experiences offered an escape from the challenges at home, including his parents’ divorce and his father’s second marriage. As a teenager, Jim also participated in farm labor programs that brought inner-city Detroit youth to Michigan farms, where evenings were spent sharing food and songs around campfires.

He joined the Civil Air Patrol and attended Cass Technical High School, where he studied automotive repair, woodworking, machining, electronics, and radio technology—skills that became lifelong passions. Jim continued woodworking well into his 90s, crafting toys for his grandchildren, building furniture, and creating finely turned wooden pieces. In middle age, he built radios, amplifiers, and turntables from Heathkits to enjoy his cherished jazz record collection.

At sixteen, Jim learned he was colorblind when he attempted to enlist in the military. After being turned away by the Air Force and initially delayed by the Navy, he was accepted into the United States Marine Corps. With his mother’s support—signing enlistment papers against his father’s wishes—Jim entered the infantry and deployed to Korea, where he completed a combat tour and later recalled the extreme cold.

After marrying Patricia in 1954, Jim’s military career took him and his growing family across the United States, along with overseas assignments. He served at Camp Pendleton, participated in ordnance and nuclear testing in Nevada, and completed recruiting duty in Indianapolis, where he was featured in the Indianapolis Star with his family. The family also lived at Camp Lejeune, where their son Jay was born, and at Parris Island, where Jim served as a drill instructor and where their son Keith was born. Later, while stationed in Santa Ana, California, the family purchased their first home.

Jim completed two combat tours in Vietnam with the “Walking Dead” Company. During his second tour, he was promoted in the field from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant, and ultimately to Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, and the Purple Heart, among other recognitions. He was wounded when a tank he was riding struck a land mine, throwing him thirty feet and causing a head injury. Despite this, he refused evacuation, feeling a deep responsibility to remain with those under his command.

Following his combat service, Jim continued in training roles at El Toro, California, and retired from active duty as a Master Sergeant. After ten years in the reserves, his commission as Captain was restored.

His distinguished military career included numerous honors for valor, unit excellence, and marksmanship. Among his awards were the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Vietnam Service Medal with three campaign stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also earned both the Rifle Expert Badge and Pistol Expert Badge, along with multiple certificates and letters of appreciation.

After leaving military service, Jim and Patricia settled in Orange, California, where they raised their family. He worked for Burns Security and later co-founded Criterion Protection with Martin Drury, building a respected security and investigative firm serving major clients throughout Southern California.

In retirement, Jim and Patricia made their home in Idyllwild and Pine Cove, California. They were active members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, where Jim helped establish a color guard for American Legion Post 800. He was also deeply involved in amateur radio and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), supporting emergency communications during wildfires and evacuations in Riverside County. He participated in the “Mile High” radio group, helping maintain repeater systems serving mountain communities.

After Patricia’s passing, Jim relocated to Southgate, Kentucky, to be closer to family. In his later years, he found friendship and camaraderie in a veterans’ coffee group in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, remaining closely connected to fellow service members.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia, and his children Rhonda, Harold “Jay,” Katherine “Kathy,” and Keith. He is survived by his daughter Roxanne Kent-Drury; ten grandchildren—Kathryn, Joseph, and James Drury; Daniel, Shauna, and Stephanie Richt; Jennifer Kent; Danielle and Andrew McKnight; and Benjamin Kent—and many great-grandchildren.

Family, friends, and fellow service members are invited to gather in remembrance and fellowship to honor Jim’s life, service, and legacy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post in Southgate, Kentucky.

A graveside service with full military honors will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California. Attendees are asked to gather at the cemetery information booth at the corner of Van Buren and Meridian; the procession will begin promptly at 10:45 a.m. An honor guard and chaplain will provide military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Patricia Kent. https://donate.cancer.org/

Jim Kent will be deeply missed and remembered with love.