Jim Kennedy
Posted by Love Hope Strength on Jun 25, 2008
Jim Kennedy has been passionate about public service for over 30 years. As Mayor of the City of Rahway, New Jersey for the past 18 years, he has devoted his time and energy to the betterment of his community. He has served on the boards of the Rahway YMCA, the Rahway Senior Housing Corporation, the Rahway Foundation for Excellence in Education and the American Heart Association. In 2007 he was honored by the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway as the recipient of the Order of the Rose, for his dedication to the health and welfare of his community and outstanding service to the hospital.
Jim’s strong desire for travel began in the summer of 1971. After graduating from high school, he decided to drive across the country on his motorcycle. It was this four month motorcycle and camping trip that initiated his future travel adventures throughout the world. These trips ranged from rafting the Colorado, to bicycling through Ireland, visiting Europe and traveling over 12,000 miles through China on numerous occasions and serving as a delegate to the World Water Forum in Mexico City, Mexico.
After the death of his young son in 1982, from a congenial heart disease, Jim dedicated his time to raising awareness and money for the American Heart Association. He bicycled from the top of the state to the bottom on behalf of the American Heart Association and has sponsored many fund – raising events for the organization. Two years ago Jim was diagnosed with melanoma and treated at the Cancer Institute in New Jersey; this has raised his awareness and sensitivity to a need to assist in eliminating all forms of cancer. It is his commitment to improving the quality of life for his family, friends, and community that make Peru Rocks a perfect fit for Jim.
His wife of 33 years, Lori, is a kindergarten teacher in Rahway: they have a grown son, Sean. Jim is looking forward to the trip to Peru and is honored to be part of such a wonderful endeavor.
