Kristina & DeWalt Brown

John J. Kennedy loved Pasadena! He loved the people and made it his mission to feed and house as many people as he could. He always thought of others and found ways to serve the underserved. John always worked to improve Pasadena.

Once while enjoying dinner on Green Street, we noticed that people kept driving the wrong way on the one-way street. The problem was there was no sign that said Green Street was one-way at Hudson. We sent John a text and the following week the one-way sign was there. This was not his problem but he fixed it anyway.

If you had a problem with the City, John would help you get the right person on the phone to solve your problem. It did not matter if the problem was in or out of his dis trict. John really cared, a rare virtue in a tough world.

Ruthie and Joe Hopkins

A few weeks ago the Journal wrote about the beginning of the third term of City Councilman John J. Kennedy. Today we regrettably write about the passing of John Kennedy for undisclosed reasons to this paper. We all loved and honored him for his political talent and love of his community and his people. John demonstrated his love of community by remembering the names of his constituents and members of the community.

John was a friend of President Barack Obama and a servant to his people. He has served hundreds of other national Politicians who all held meetings at Johns’ massive home. He loved his AlmaMaters, Howard University and the University of Southern California. Now it’s time to rest in the arms of Jesus. May he rest in peace. He will rest as our eyes fill with tears in memory of his laughter and smile. Our precious memories are how you remembered us in our moments of grief and pain. Today we remember you as our leader, our advocate, and our example of how to win or lose with mercy, grace, and the spirit of giving. We will miss you as we try to serve the community with the love and mercy you have taught us and the example you have shown us. You stopped by my house to wish me well after my stroke, you helped me tell the story of The State of Black Pasadena when I asked it of you.

You were born to lead and after graduating from Blair High School You led the community as the youngest President of the Pasadena NAACP ever. John was hired as special Assistant to Police Chief Jerry Oliver and served at the Los Angeles Urban League, before being elected as a Pasadena City Council member, three times.

John, you surprised us again, leaving too soon, and without warning. We will miss you and your talents and we will rejoin you and see you again if and when I get to heaven. Sleep well Sweet Prince.

My family and I want to thank John for all that he has done for our community, country and most importantly our family. His selfless service to others spoke volumes about the kind and compassionate man that he was. His service as a leader helped to shape and reform our city into the shining example it continues to be nationally and globally through our sister city initiatives and strategic partnerships worldwide. On a personal level, “Uncle John J. Kennedy” has always been an example of achievement and excellence that my siblings and I could target. I fondly remember his college graduation celebration from the University of Southern California (USC); as a young girl, I walked into a lovely home on Prospect Boulevard and was exposed to academic, professional and community leaders during the event. I have no doubt that witnessing that accomplishment from such a fine institution, which would later also become

Kathy Hamilton

my alma mater, set in my mind a model of achievement to seek! Under John’s leadership as the President of the Pasadena Chapter of the NAACP, my siblings and I had opportunities to attend events, including a fun and exciting Etiquette Class led by the Incomparable Lena Kennedy. John’s example of what dedication and hard work can achieve was and continues to be inspirational!

In my professional career, I have John to thank as a supporter of my Black Engineer of the Year and National Society of Black Engineers Professional Achievement Awards through his kind letters of recommendation for my nominations. When my mother Valencia Galloway passed away in 2018, John’s kindness and thoughtfulness led him to work with the County of Los Angeles to recognize her long-term service to the county through a tree dedication at Griffith Park in her honor.

My family and I are profoundly grateful. Uncle John continually showed us that he cared through his occasional forwarding of scripture, which always seemed to arrive just when it was needed and with a message that would always ring true. He would always ask how the Pertums, young Galloways, and Hamiltons were doing. He always took care to remind us that we are blessed and loved by GOD and to let us know we had an “Earth Angel” who looked after us.

On this occasion of John’s passing, we express our love and gratitude for all that he was able to do and give thanks from the bottom (and top) of our hearts!

Say hello to our mom in heaven. We know you two are dancing and celebrating a life well lived together!

Kathy Hamilton & Family

I have spent some time recently reflecting upon the news of our Councilmember John J. Kennedy. John was the student body president when I was at Blair High School, so I have known him for over 40 years. It was clear, back then in the late seventies that John was a leader and that he would do great things.

I have read so much in the newspaper and social media about who John was and these same words came up repeatedly (direct quotes):

• His relentless energy

• Tireless commitment

• Bright and dynamic charismatic leader

• Overall classy guy

• Remarkable person, full of zest for life and joy

• Infectious smile, his sharp wit, his young at heart spirit

• Incessant generosity

• Truly unforgettable

• ‘You were a giant among men’