Abundant Harvest Christian Center, Altadena

John J. Kennedy Reflections from the Heart

Of course, my spirit man was shocked, and my heart was broken to hear that my dear brother the honorable community leader, ambassador for Christ and City Councilmember John J. Kennedy suddenly transitioned into the presence of God Almighty. John and I met around 2010 at a local community event and there was immediately a mutual connection as well as respect. A few years later, John asked me not only to support his run for the Pasadena’s Council District 3 in 2013, but also to walk with him throughout the district to knock-on doors and speak to people to introduce himself and find out the needs of the residents. From there, we were connected as leaders and men of faith.

I will never forget how he would text me video songs, scriptures to read, and important updates. We would encourage and pray for each other during interesting seasons of our lives and celebrate monumental accomplishments. In May, as we were both fighting the good fight of faith, I did not realize how life threatening John’s condition was as he was so full of faith and optimism. He sent me a song by P.J. Morgan entitled “The Better Benediction.” The song says “I’m trusting God. No matter what you’re going through, God will work it out for you. It will get Better. God’s going to work it out!” I told him I was declaring God’s Word over his life to work it out. He was one of the few men I know who dedicated himself selflessly to helping others, and we are all better off because of his efforts. John is now resting from his work here on earth and one day he will be rewarded for his great deeds here on earth!

Pastor Anthony McFarland

I became acquainted with Councilmember John J. Kennedy through his friendship with my younger brother John. They worked together many years ago as young businessmen with a heart for Pasadena. Later, I grew to know him through his work in the community leading up to his service as District 3 Councilmember. Like so many, I knew John through his work and service in Pasadena as the “principled, persistent and pragmatic policy maker.” However, more than that for me, I knew John as a man of God who knew the power of prayer. I often prayed with him, as he asked God for His guidance

Community Bible Church

before making big decisions. John knew that God loved justice and righteousness and as a councilmember, he tried to live by the words of the prophet Amos, “But let justice roll down as a river and righ teousness like a never failing stream.” As hard as he worked to make Pasadena a great city he knew that meant caring for, and working just as hard for the well-being of the least of them. John knew the importance of fulfilling God’s law of love. He believed that elected officials

Rev. Ed Robinson

My name is Ed Robinson. My friendship with John spanned nearly two decades. We first met at an Angels baseball game in Anaheim, California. Weeks later, we became coworkers for Southern California Edison (SCE) in the Equal Opportunity Department.

Highly educated, well-connected, and grounded: John made everyday people feel like equals. We shared several commonalities – being born into large families of 10 kids with seven sisters, loving the cities where we were raised, Pasadena and Compton, and being passionate about helping underserved communities through corporate resources. needed to partnership with the church community to help the public develop confidence in their decision making. Let us remember, in John’s own words, “find the good in a person and we will find the good in our city, build on those characteristics and join with the residents, community leaders, the clergy and me to make our city the great city we know that it can be for all residents –WE ARE ONE PASADENA.”

While we were at SCE, John skillfully provoked necessary conversations with senior management to ensure that customer voices were heard. He’d come into a meeting, sit down, and pull up his pants leg to just below his knees, or partially wear a beanie cap to keep his head warm. He could mix it up with the best verbally. I will miss his hearty, contagious laughter.

Lovingly Submitted, Pastor Jean Burch

Even after becoming a politician in a major metropolis, John would still pray for me and send timely scriptures encouraging me to press forward with courage. In 2020, John sent me a regularly scheduled text. However, this time it was concise, significant, and specific. John wrote, ‘Write your book, Ed!’ Unbeknownst to John and many others, I had already begun writing my book titled, Building Your Brand 101: A Playbook for Student-Athletes on Money, Media, and Mental Health. This book, scheduled for release this year – has been dedicated to you, John. I will cherish your memory.

John,

From the time we played on a YMCA basketball team at the age of 13, you were ahead of your time. At our young age, your leadership abilities were visually apparent. When most had dreams of the pros, you had dreams of making the world a better place by leading teenagers to Christ as well as seeing to their basic needs. You always wanted to see the best of everyone. Throughout your life, you were a giver who taught those around you to give all the way to the end. The last time we spoke, a week before you left, you told me your updated prognosis and followed with, “Whatever happens, I’ll be alright.” Therefore, I choose to celebrate a life well lived; as you knew, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Enjoy your rest my friend, we will see each other again.

Terry