Sergé Nelson

enjoyed attending Broadway plays, such as Porgy and Bess in 2014. John and I consumed exquisite cuisine quite regularly, we appreciated art from multiple cultures, and we visited art shows and museums.

We were constantly on a quest to help each other “get healthy” as we would walk a lot together while enjoying Pasadena’s beauty and historical landmarks. John enjoyed “teaching me a thing or two regarding Pasadena’s rich history.” In 2019, at his request, l learned how to juice and cook vegan dishes for which he was my tester and food critic. John even would allow me to cook and clean in his usually “off limits” chef’s kitchen.

by living up to what he told me I could always achieve. I am grateful to have had a beautiful relationship with him. My life is so much richer because his journey was a part of mine. Johnny, I love you, miss you, and will see you again!

We prayed and read God’s word together. We laughed and even cried together as we shared life’s events.

We enjoyed visiting unique antique shops and attending social events. John and I shared a love for music as we attended concerts by artists, such as songstress Anita Baker. We would listen to gospel music or his favorite opera singer Andrea Bocelli for hours. John would even sing along as he had a beautiful tenor voice with range, I might add. We

John was an extraordinary Black man, he gave more than he ever received, and he was most proud of his relationship with God, his parents, family, his mentees, and his dedication to service and building up people and community. John would share his intimate and vulnerable side of himself with me as we both entrusted each other with our shared values and experiences.

The Honorable John J. Kennedy will always be my “Johnny.” He will continue to live in my spirit, and I will continue to honor him

Sheila Grether-Marion

My name is Sheila Grether-Marion. I live in Sierra Madre and was born and raised in Pasadena. I met John years ago, around 2002, through his sister, Lena, when I asked for his help to introduce prospective donors to the Pasadena Playhouse. He eagerly agreed. What struck me when I first met John was his formal attire. He was most often dressed in a well-cut suit with a colorful, tasteful tie and a crisply folded kerchief in his right front breast pocket. He spoke in a clipped, resonant, deep voice and commanded each room he entered. Through the years as my husband and I grew to know and love him, I learned that John laughed easily and was a kind, wise and loving man who possessed a corny sense of humor. John was a generous man and friend. I learned that he was a graduate of Blair High School like me and had served as the Student Body President; I had served as Vice President of my class seven years before. When I recited our school song and its cheers, he let loose with his distinctive, booming laugh! John was always advocating for those less fortunate by giving turkeys away each Thanksgiving to those in need and advocating for his constituents, family members and friends. John had friends and admirers from all walks of life—from janitors to several Presidents of the United States. It has been one of the great honors of my husband and me to have known him.

Judge Tara Newman

I was born and raised in Pasadena, and as a result, I have known John J. Kennedy for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of him are of his activism when he was the dedicated president of the Pasadena NAACP; I was always impressed and inspired by his passionate and straightforward advocacy for equality and access. As a high school and college student, I remember John speaking to young people about public service and the power of civic engagement. John’s love for Pasadena was contagious. I was inspired by his message and admired his tireless efforts to keep people involved in what was happening in our community.

Once I began practicing law, I would always look forward to seeing John out in Pasadena so we could engage in lively discussion on current events and issues. John was clever and fun to be around. When I told John, I was interested in becoming a judge; he went beyond to support my efforts and me. John’s support was invaluable in helping me to reach the Superior Court bench. John offered that same type of support to countless members of the Pasadena community. His far-reaching positive impact on this city will never be forgotten.