Rodney Glass Sr.

I would like to start by saying my deepest condolences to the entire Kennedy family for the loss of my dear friend and brother (Johnny) Mr. John J. Kennedy whom I have known since childhood on Hammond Street. John was one amazing and intelligent wonderful child of God!

John was the most positively influential role model to the Glass Family. He always reminded us to put God first and constantly preached education, encouraged my three sons, and insisted that they finish college just as my wife and I did; he would tell them your parents are your example. They knew their success would put a smile on the face of the one they called Uncle John.

I can attest to the extra efforts I put into my work, life, projects, community, and family was inspired by John’s voice of encouragement. John, we are all going to miss your “special antics” that caught everyone’s attention whether you were part of the party or not. We will particularly miss your brilliance, kindness, and all the fun times that we spent together.

My gratitude for the bond we shared was like no other. I now realize that it is not how long you know someone; it is about the substance of the relationship and being there for one another through thick and thin. That is who you were.

The great, needed advice and wisdom that you always gave to me, my children and family was priceless. Finally, until the next time we meet, you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten and you will be engraved in the hearts of the Glass Family.

Also, I would like to thank Malcolm, Sharon, Geraldine, Lena, and Elizabeth for the blessing you extended for me to attend The Private Family Service. You showed the love for the extended Glass Family and allowed me to pay homage to my brother John J. Kennedy.

I have known John for 52 years. We met at Cleveland Elementary School. John and I have been close friends since the 5th grade. We were roommates while John was in Law School and he was the best man at my wedding.

John J. Kennedy has been one of my closest friends since elementary school. There were plenty of sleepovers in the early years. Parties and events in high school and family functions where John was always welcome. John and I have always been very different, but we formed a bond that has survived over the years. There have

Terry Knox

been times when we lived in separate parts of the country and times when we lived together and through it all, I have never had a more loyal friend. No matter where we were in life, I could always count on John for advice, a helping hand during tough times, or to celebrate a happy occasion. John was generous and supportive, and no matter what, he was always honest with me.

I always knew that public service would be a big part of John’s life. His compassion for others, rooted

Tony T. Crutchfield Sr.

John J Kennedy, a name that will always and forever be held in high regards and near and dear to my heart. John was a big brother to me who has been in my life for as long as I can remember. Not only was John my big brother, but also, he was my neighbor, my babysitter, a leader, and most importantly, he was my friend. John and I had a special friendship that ranged from him chasing me down Hammond street in Pasadena when I was misbehaving to him flying to Provo, Utah to watch me play college football. No matter what I was doing or where I was doing it, John was always there, and he was always pulling for me. John, I’m going to miss our spiritual talks and your straightforward advice, and I’ll be forever grateful to you for your positive influence and support in every area of my life. I thank you for correcting me when I was wrong and making sure that if I fell down, then I got right back up and right back on track.

John, I’ll never forget your service to friends, family members, and the community during their personal in his religious conviction, has been evident for as long as I’ve known him. John was a true leader. I envied his ability to get along with and organize all kinds of people. I can’t think of an organization or student government where he didn’t take a leadership role. John inspired and encouraged me to do the same. struggles. You provided support to those in need of your help. You were always a servant to God’s children, and your willingness to help others never went unnoticed. John, I can hear your voice and your laughter, which brings great joy to my heart. I will continue to read the books, the poems, and the scriptures that you sent me over the years. So even in your physical absence, you will always live on in my heart. John, I selfishly wish you were still here on earth; however, I know that God called you home, and that your work here was complete. Rest well John J. Kennedy and thank you for being my brother and my friend!!

I could not believe it when I heard that John had passed. I will miss him greatly, but I am glad that I could call John Kennedy my friend.

Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence Streator

I met John at Cleveland Elementary School in Pasadena CA 50 years ago. John was my schoolmate in elementary school, junior high school, and high school. At Blair High School, we became teammates on the sophomore basketball team.

John was my longest, closest friend in life. John and I shared a core value system, had mutual admiration and respect for each other, and enjoyed sharing a good laugh.

John made a huge impact wherever he went. Let me start with my spiritual life to explain how John impacted my life. John invited me to visit his church (Metropolitan Baptist Church) when we were in high school. After attending a few

Sundays, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. Years later, I acknowledged a call to the ministry and went on to pastor for 20 years.

There were many other ways that John impacted me. I was inspired by John’s resourcefulness and initiative and sought to increase my own qualities in these areas. I was inspired by John’s leadership abilities, and I aspired to become a leader. I would have never sought to become Junior Class President, for example, had

Dr. Jerri Lyn-Ellis

John not propelled me in that direction. I was also inspired by John’s athleticism and sought to become a better athlete.

John was always ready with an encouraging word. He really helped me through a couple of really difficult times. I’d like to think that I helped John persevere in letting his light shine.

John made a point to give me a holler from time to time and vice versa.