Drs. Phylis and Emmell Beech

The Honorable Councilmember

John J. Kennedy was more than the ultimate City Councilmember, Vice Mayor of the City of Pasadena, administrator, businessman and much, much more. He was our Godson, a renaissance man who soared like the eagle he was. John came into my life about 44 years ago, when my daughter brought him home and introduced him as her escort to the Debutante ball that was given by the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. At that time, he was Student Body President at Blair High School. As a superintendent of schools in Fullerton, California,

I was so impressed by this young man that I knew immediately that I was in the presence of greatness in the making. It was John’s presence!

Over the years, I have watched John soar like the eagle he was (while other birds fly away from the sun, eagles fly toward the sun, not below the storm but above the storm) higher and higher – locally in his City of Pasadena, nationally, and globally. We were so proud of each of his accomplishments. We knew of his love of God. Every day he would text a scripture for the day. On his world travels, he would stop to mail us a postcard and bring us gifts that commemorated the trip.

It’s been said that the student becomes the teacher. I don’t know at what point that became a reality in our lives. My wife and I became “his folks.” John was our renaissance man. We were so proud and present at many of his accomplishments.

He made sure that we were alright as we became “senior citizens.”

Most recently, he planned to visit us here in Atlanta at Christmas this year. We were looking forward to that. But God knows best. On July 21, 2022, John took his last flight as our eagle.

He forever remains in our hearts. Until we meet again!

Drs. Phylis and Emmell Beech

It was 1985 and we were new residents of Pasadena. We received a phone call from the President of the local NAACP who turned out to be John Kennedy. He was gracious in his welcome to us, invited us to an NAACP meeting and thus began an uninterrupted friendship. It was easy to see why John was in a leadership position; he truly cared about other people and he had a very balanced view of himself. He seemed quite clear about his purpose in life and it was not to magnify himself but to serve others. A review of his resume tells you that much. What it may not convey however, is the scope of John’s vision. He knew that his talents

Rita and Terrence Roberts

could be effectively used locally, nationally, and internationally. His demeanor was the same whether he was presiding over meetings as Vice Mayor of Pasadena, hosting then speaker of the United States House of Representatives Harry Reid at his home in Pasadena, or making a trip abroad to coordinate Sister City activities. As John pursued the plethora of activities associated with all of the hats he wore, he demonstrated to all who would pay attention that here was a pathway worth considering. His unspoken message to us was, “there is work to be done, let us get on with it!”

We miss seeing that high-wattage smile that could be deemed John’s

Robin Billups

John J. Kennedy, a true renaissance man – loved life, family, community and spreading God’s word, thru his works. The Kennedys lead by example: being inclusionary while insuring the next generation benefits from current efforts.

I am Robin M. Billups. I was blessed to meet Lena, which meant that is when I met John, more than 20 years ago. John understood I cherished a brother/sister relationship to meet up, catch up and, pass stuff by each other. We would meet for tea, lunch, dinner, libations…to put our hearts and minds together towards the advancement of our community work. John imparted time and talent to educate, inform, illuminate, and illustrate possibilities, opportunities, and what ifs. John and I would share resources and connections, talk smack, and counsel each other. The beautiful thing, it was all about family – no malice, no gossiping, nothing negative – John always had a clear, concise view with a tinge of a rebel. Via text, we encouraged each other with scripture, articles, and information. We were negotiating a tea meeting after the victorious election; Rona got in the way. I am calling card. But even in his absence our memory affords us the luxury of remembering one who heeded God’s call to serve the needs of others. not sad, I am emotional about John not being here physically but I am soul satisfied his spirit lives on in everything he encountered and orchestrated.

John’s impactful touch is a testament to his life as a solution driven, servant leader!

God issued His rest and reward and John accepted.

Gratitude is a memory of the heart; I pray our innumerable fond memories, of and with John, sustain us during this time of transition.

When John J. Kennedy transitioned from this physical earth to be amongst his ancestors, the City of Pasadena, California lost one of its treasured sons. John will be profoundly missed.

Though John was an influential international humanitarian and businessman, he loved, without compromise, his hometown, Pasadena. There was nothing John cared for more than his family, friends, and the city of Pasadena, respectively. He was a key figure in bringing to the district he represented one of the biggest development projects in Pasadena’s history.

John had the infinite gift of treating everyone with respect, humility, and kindness. Whenever John and I would speak, he made me feel as though