Stomping Grounds in Pasadena

John stood on the shoulders of his parents and ancestors.

My brother John “Johnny” Jackson Kennedy was the eighth child of ten born to our parents Leola and Thomas Kennedy. Our father, who passed away 29 years ago, was born in South Carolina to Carrie Eichenberger and Peter Kennedy. He was an only child, but he made up for it by having 10 children. He served in World War II; at the time the U.S. Government was only accepting 10,000 Negro draftees. He was a member of the 644th Ordinance Ammunition Company operating in the Hawaiian and Philippine Islands as an assistant section chief. He supervised a 30-man ammunition distribution division of infantry. Dad wore the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and three Overseas Bars as well as several Purple Hearts. He was a Sergeant before his honorable discharge.

Our father Thomas was an avid reader, and developed an extensive personal library covering many genres. He imparted his love of reading and books to John.

He was involved in the community as a member of the California State Sherrif’s Association.

Early in his career, our dad was the chauffeur and bodyguard for Dr. Theodore Von Karman, one of the founders of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Johnny’s deep roots in Pasadena extended to our paternal grandmother, Carrie Kennedy, who grew up in Germany, moved to South Carolina, and then moved to Pasadena to be near her son. John would often stop by our grandmother’s

John’s father, grandmother and uncle Fred, Oct. 1966 house on Washington Boulevard and Sunset Avenue to have some of her cooking. She made a mean homemade pound cake. Our grandparents Bessie Mae and JD Sudduth lived in Mississippi on 200 acres, where our mother grew up.

Our grandmother

Bessie Mae had eighteen children

WOW! Johnny visited Mississippi often and enjoyed learning from our grandparents and listening to stories about mother.

Anurse by profession, Leola Kennedy worked at County General Hospital. Once our mom married and started having children, she chose to be a stayat-home mom before it was trendy. Being home was important to give her children the foundation to be good students, become viable citizens, and to be supportive to our dad. Thomas Kennedy served with honor in the Army and then later worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where he gave many young people jobs and encouraged them to go to college to obtain their degree.

When Leola was pregnant with John, she had seven other children, and number seven, Elizabeth, was still a baby in Leola’s arms. One can only imagine what it was like to be pregnant, take care of seven kids, assist our dad, go to PTA meetings, tend her garden, clean house, cook dinner, and prep children for school. When she realized she was pregnant, she thought, “I have a baby in my arms, how can I be pregnant?” As a Christian woman, she went outside, looked to the mountains, and had a conversation with God: “Dear God, I have a baby in my arms, and I am pregnant; this is more than I can handle.” In response, God spoke to her as if he were standing next to her and said this child will be a blessed child who has great work to do and will bring you much joy. And he did; Johnny was always making mother proud and happy. His siblings watched their special relationship, and Johnny brought mother nothing but joy in her life. When John was at USC, he planned to drop out due to seeing mother work so hard to enable John to get his education. At that time, Leola knew Johnny needed to hear the story of her pregnancy and the conversation with God. She further told him you cannot drop out; it is my joy to see you succeed because God is going to use you to do a mighty work.

Our parents were always engaged in our lives and deeply believed in the transformative power of education. They created opportunities to expose their kids to art, lectures, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, afterschool programs, swimming lessons, and many local family vacations. Our parents were very involved in school activities, including the PTA. They instilled in John a commitment to the community as they did with us all.

Born John Jackson Kennedy, John was fondly known as Johnny to family and friends. Anyone who called him Johnny knew him as a young child. Even when he was a Councilmember, his sisters would call him Johnny when we wanted to get his attention.

As a child, Johnny loved his community. He was always working and investing himself into others. As a child, he would cut neighbors’ grass, babysit, and assist his older brother Michael with his newspaper route. He always looked for ways to be an entrepreneur. In doing so, he developed a passion for helping people as he saw their needs. He often would go to Chan’s Market for neighborhood seniors. He also frequently ran errands for our mother. The home our parents purchased on Hammond Street remains the family homestead to this day.

John demonstrated numerous skills and interests while he grew up. He was a great tennis player and basketball player. He enjoyed playing baseball in the yard with siblings, hiking, and climbing trees in the yard. Our yard included many fruit trees – lemon, cherry, plum, grapefruit, persimmon, and apple; a walnut tree; grape vines; and a garden that our mother truly enjoyed. When not climbing trees, John also enjoyed bike riding, walking, reading, dancing, racquetball, and swimming. His adventurous spirit later manifested itself in various undertakings as an adult; he did not wait for opportunity to come to him, he created his own opportunities.

As the baby boy in a large family, John quickly learned how to negotiate with his two brothers, be strategic with his seven sisters, and create consensus with his parents. John also deployed those skills in his interactions with his countless nieces and nephews. I am sure each of his nieces and nephews has his or her own stories to tell and I am sure each thought he or she was his favorite – he had that way about him. Although he was number eight of his siblings, he conducted himself as if he were the oldest, at least with the girls. He involved himself in every major decision that his sisters made and often negotiated on our behalf – from purchasing a car to teaching us how to negotiate salaries to advising how to establish our businesses. Similarly, John wanted to be involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He maintained a different relationship with each of them. He was firm and stressed education, yet he was playful and fun. He wanted them to succeed, be happy and to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. His love for them was unconditional.

Starting when he was a young child, relationship building was part of John’s DNA. He maintained relationships with friends from his stomping grounds on Hammond Street, in the larger neighborhood, and at Cleveland Elementary School until he laid his head down to rest in the arms of his God. He maintained longstanding relationships with many childhood friends; a few of his “brothers from other mothers” include Jeff Streator, Reginald Blaylock, Tony Crutchfield Sr, Terry Knox, Reginald Knox, and Rodney Glass, Sr. Enjoy the various remarks and stories from family, friends, colleagues, and business friends later in this book.

I am sure each of my sisters will say she was John’s favorite. However, I had a special relationship with my brother John. He was not just my brother, but also my client, my friend, my advisor, my protector, and sometimes my escort. He would occasionally get a little agitated with me because we would sometimes see things differently. Despite our differences, we shared the same faith in God, core values, and views of the desired outcome were consistent. We each had great respect for each other, and I always knew his heart. I would love to have John here today, so we could have our weekly discussion on upcoming elections and community issues.

From his stomping grounds as a child, John always moved with precision, urgency, thoughtfulness, and methodical purpose. He wanted the job done, and it had to be done well. We all know that he loved all his sisters. We knew that if we hurt, he would hurt; if we were happy, he was happy. As he became an adult, he was never far from his stomping grounds. He checked on his mother daily to ensure that all her needs were met. He loved his father and helped him with chores around the house. When John was 25 years old and dad was 79, John was so proud that his dad witnessed his accomplishment in becoming the youngest president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Pasadena branch. He always wanted to make his dad proud of him. When John hosted the NAACP dinner, he proudly showed off his parents at the annual fundraiser, which was a smashing success that featured then California Governor Pete Wilson as the special guest and Dr. Terrance Roberts, of the Little Rock Nine, as the keynote speaker.

One could never question John’s authentic love for his community, even at an early age. John worked every day to maintain the respect of his family and everyone around him. John gave a lot of love.

Many know of John as a dapper, GQ dresser. His suits were tailor-made, and even his casual shirts were silk-blend fabric. He developed his style at an early age. He noticed that his friend had a leather jacket, which he knew was expensive ($400) jacket. He really liked that jacket and wanted one just like his friend had. He mentioned this to mother and without question, our mother took him downtown and told him to pick out a leather jacket. Cost was not a factor; his happiness was what was important. Believe me this was a splurge. She cherished the relationship they built. By the time John was in college, most of us were gone, and he and mother built a treasured bond.

Understanding John begins with understanding how his childhood on Hammond Street shaped him. During his formative years on Hammond Street, he developed his goals, style, and self-confidence. Surrounded and uplifted by family love, he knew much was expected of him. He learned that he could have a positive impact on others. Additionally, his admirable habit of maintaining relationships began on Hammond Street, his childhood stomping grounds. like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, but our roots remain as one

The Hammond Street stomping grounds will never be the same, but he left indelible footprints forever to be remembered.

Siblings

Sharon Rose Kennedy-Billingslea

John Jackson Kennedy was a special person, (soul) sent to earth from God with purpose. His purpose was to flourish and make sure others flourish with him. His heart was the heart of God and what he did was God-driven. God was talking to John and God was revealing what John needed to do all his life.

John had such a great love for the people and Pasadena, California. He wanted the best for the people of Pasadena and that is why he fought so hard for Pasadena’s growth. This city was his home and this is where he grew up.

I will never forget how John Jackson Kennedy saved my life. God sent John Jackson Kennedy to be a great blessing to me. John saved my house from going into foreclosure and paid all the creditors off. It was like starting a new fresh life. I will forever be grateful to God and for sending me John J. Kennedy.

That is why he became a Pasadena Councilmember, to fight for the people and change. He was and always will be an extraordinary man sent from God. Much Love, your sister.

Geraldine S. Kennedy

John Jackson Kennedy was a bright light that continues to shine in the hearts and minds of everyone whose life he touched. He will live in my heart forever.

Gladys

Malcolm Kennedy

John was my baby brother and I will always love him. For we shall meet again. May he rest in peace. Amen!

Rosalinda Foster Kennedy-Spratling

I and all citizens will truly remember the great and remarkable contributions you have given to Pasadenans, visitors, extended community, and family. Your love for the Lord, people, and your quest for knowledge allowed you to complete some of your goals, which were commissioned by God and granted to the people. You had a unique way of bringing people together and had the sincerity of knowing who needed to be connect to whom.

You were a young politician as a child. All through school you were either the ASB president or some other office holder that reflected your goal of becoming the President of the United States of America. You certainly had wonderful opportunities to host presidents at your home and dine with presidents and other heads of state. I know you enjoyed the many dinners you had at the White House.

God Almighty commissioned you as a humanitarian to bring humanitarians from all nations of the world together. Your priority was to do whatever was needed to ensure students were educated and that all children were not hungry in your community and the world. You clearly demonstrated that concern by providing your turkey program and holiday party during the Christmas season. You always made me feel proud to be your sister.

My darling children – Lolita, Julian, and China Spratling – and my grandchildren – Alena, Love, (Ally) Alexandra, Julian Jr. Jayden, Andrew, and Cierra – will deeply miss their Uncle Johnny. As one of your older sisters, I will remember your kindness that you always extended to me and your gentle guidance when I needed advice. So much I want to say to you, but for now, I bid you farewell and send you into the arms of our Almighty God and Savior.

May God Almighty through his son Lord Jesus Christ keep your Mind, Soul, Spirit, and Body a love untouchable by any darkness. *Read John 5:24. Life and Judgment are through the Son.

God Bless – Love, Rosalinda Foster Spratling-Kennedy and family

Marvell Kennedy-Matthews

Sister-in-Law

My dear brother-in-law John was passionate, humorous, loving and always kind. He personally and publicly helped others. John left an example and legacy. Leaving us without justification hurts my heart – gone too soon. I will miss your big smile and loud laughterMay the blameless rest in God’s grace alone.

Marvel (Kennedy) Matthews