Oct 14, 2012
Jun 19, 2023
Joyce
Kennedy
91
44
63 inches
135 lbs
White / Caucasian
Female
In the bustling environment of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on March 20, 1978, 44-year-old Joyce Lee Kennedy completed her shift as a ticket agent for Pan American airline. After her workday concluded, she walked away from her counter and was never seen or heard from again. At the time of her disappearance, Joyce was described as being 5'3" and weighing around 135 pounds, with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes. She wore glasses and was last seen in a tan blouse and red slacks. Joyce also wore a distinctive gold ring with a small diamond and the word "love" inscribed on it. When she failed to appear for her next scheduled shift, her employer reported her missing, initiating a case that has remained unsolved for decades. The investigation into Joyce's disappearance took a concerning turn two days later when her car was discovered in the airport's visitor parking lot, rather than the employee area where she would have normally parked. The vehicle was unlocked, and inside, her purse and keys were found on the front seat. Despite this discovery, there were no discernible signs of a struggle or any clear evidence indicating what might have happened to her. The circumstances became more troubling as details emerged about her personal life and her plans for the day she vanished. It was revealed that Joyce had scheduled a meeting with her ex-husband, John Thomas "Jack" O'Keefe II, on the day she went missing. The purpose of the meeting was for him to repay a debt he owed her. Joyce and O'Keefe had been married from 1972 to 1976, and their relationship was reportedly marked by a history of physical abuse. Apprehensive about the meeting, Joyce had asked her brother to accompany her, but he was unfortunately unable to do so. It is believed she may have gone to meet her ex-husband alone. Joyce's family has long suspected that O'Keefe was responsible for her disappearance, but he was never charged in connection with the case and is now deceased. The theory held by her loved ones is that he may have moved her car to the visitor's lot to create the illusion that she had left on her own accord. The lack of direct evidence and witnesses has left this case cold, with foul play strongly suspected. Joyce's disappearance is considered suspicious, and what happened to her after she left her job at the airport remains a mystery.
Mar 20, 1978
Seattle
Washington
King County
No
2983
Port of Seattle Police Department
Seattle
Washington
King County
98168
PO Box 68727, Washington
2067873490
Local
Law Enforcement
78-2623
Port of Seattle Police Department
Brown
Blue
Blue
06/17/2026