In Recognition of John Jackson Kennedy’s Book, We acknowledge you…

Thank you to the following individuals for your generous support, love, and care in making the production of this book possible. In reading all the remarks submitted, my heart is full, and I am grateful to everyone who submitted comments. I am grateful to the designer, the photographers, my writing, research and editing team – thank you, thank you, thank you – this could not have happened without you! My dear friends who held me up when I needed support to push forward with this project. John’s friends who are the sponsors - you stand without question whenever called upon - your generosity is overwhelming.

SPONSORS:

Teena Hostovich

Ken Hui

Lena Louise Kennedy

La Doris McClaney

Tina McKinnor

Dr. Edna Miller

Carolyn and Albert West

Photo Credits:

Alfred Hammond

Foxx Media Group

L. A. Sentinel

Lena Louise Kennedy

Michael Fernandez

Nick Boswell Photography

Pasadena Outlook

Pasadena Star-News

Taylor Fine Portraits

Toni Scott

Contributors:

Rochelle Branch

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker

Tyesa Denise Morey

Danny Parker

Susana Porras

Tina Rios

Jerry Robin

Jana Stewart

Jeffrey Streator, Ph.D.

Friends are like precious jewels: valuable, bright, beautiful – and they always make you look good!

My family has lived in Pasadena on Hammond Street for over 85 years. We have always been very involved in our community and to serve is an honor. Our parents instilled a sense of service and the fear of God in each of their children. John “Johnny” Jackson Kennedy exemplified service.

As I ponder and talk with God and tell Him I don’t understand why he took John so soon, I am thankful that he allowed John to visit Earth through Leola Sudduth Kennedy, which gave me a front row seat to watch John develop into a true servant for the people. Former Pasadena Mayor Bill Paparian said John’s headstone should read “Servant of the People,” and John truly was.

John loved learning at Cleveland Elementary School, McKinley Junior School, and Blair High School, which was the best high school in Pasadena according to Viking John J. Kennedy. Of course, I echo him as a fellow alumnus. He pursued higher education at USC and Howard University. I never met anyone who had such a love for life and the people he met. He did everything with zeal, passion, urgency, and perfection.

At the core of it was his love for the people. John’s life was never dull or