James Kenneth (JK) Irving, Chairman of J.D. Irving, Limited, was born on March 20, 1928, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was the eldest son of Harriet Lila and Kenneth Colin Irving; and brother to the late Arthur and Jack Irving.
JK was a proud Canadian and New Brunswicker leading J.D. Irving, Limited in a career that spanned 76 years. In life, community and business, his energy, drive and enthusiasm – for seeing ideas grow and making a difference – was contagious. His career started early, selling magazines at the age of ten and working alongside his brothers as part of the Jim, Art, and Jack Farm, located in the backyard barn of their home in Saint John. They sold eggs, chickens and garden produce to their neighbors.
He was humble in his achievements and described himself first and foremost as a lumberman. His career began with the log drives on the Saint John River. He believed the essential ingredient of success was a great team of people and until the end he was happiest engaging with them throughout the businesses. Action and innovation were prized virtues. “You learned how to do something by doing it, and making it better was the best reason for getting up in the morning.”
He was driven about the details and understood that personal ownership of a job delivered better quality and teamwork. He valued loyalty and kept the promise of a handshake. Under his leadership, and working with his sons, Jim and Robert, the business operations have grown and diversified: forest products, shipbuilding and industrial fabrication, transportation and logistics, food, retail and distribution, agriculture, construction and equipment – employing a team of 20,000 in Canada and the U.S. He was immensely proud of the business success of his daughter, Mary-Jean, and was equally moved by Judith’s dedication to community engagement and humanitarian causes.
While much has changed in what was a 76-year career at J.D. Irving, Limited, for JK the fundamentals learned from his father remained constant: work together to build a great team, produce excellent products, give superior service, always look after the customer, and reinvest in the future. Giving back was important, but quietly done. Lifelong learning was a major focus. Significant investments were made in programs and scholarships at universities and colleges.
In 2000, he became a founding partner of the PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools) program for school children locally in Saint John, NB, which has grown from one school and one partner to more than 30 schools and over 150 partners. “What can we do to help?” was his familiar phrase. The program has been nationally and internationally recognized. His last day was spent enjoying an outdoor fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, in support of his beloved PALS and the young people it helped. He was a builder – of teams, businesses, community and stewardship.
The award-winning Irving Eco Centre-La Dune de Bouctouche, The Irving Nature Park, marshes, and wetlands for Ducks Unlimited, 377 kilometres of rail to trails, numerous conservation projects, as well as the planting of over 1 billion trees are highlights of his passion for the environment. James K. Irving was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada, the Order of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
Mr. Irving was predeceased by the love of his life and compass for nearly 70 years, Mrs. Jean Irving. Together they made a powerful team in the community, working on numerous philanthropic efforts. He is survived by their four children. Jim, Robert, Mary-Jean and Judith. He was the very proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, as well as a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. As a family man, entrepreneur and citizen who loved his hometown, province and country, he was one of a kind and shall be greatly missed.
Visitation was held at Irving Chapel, in Rothesay, NB, the funeral was held at Saunders Irving Chapel Kingswood University, Sussex, NB. A private burial with family followed in Bouctouche, NB, where Mr. Irving was laid to rest with his wife and parents at the family chapel.
Anyone wishing to send flowers are asked to please make a donation to PALS (via the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative at: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/business-community-anti-poverty-initiative-inc, please note PALS in the message field), or to a charity of their choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
