‘He was a driving force in the community’

by | Jan 16, 2025

Debec, Western Valley mourns community leader and businessman Jim Kennedy

To many, Jim Kennedy will be remembered as the “Mayor of Debec,” although the rural hamlet never had an official mayor. 

Others will remember him as the owner of the Debec General Store, which served as the community centre. 

Still, others will remember Kennedy as the hardworking and diligent community leader who dedicated wisdom, time and effort to benefit the entire Western Valley region. 

Many in Carleton North knew Kennedy as the affable general manager of the Carleton Co-op in Florenceville-Bristol. 

Kennedy, born in Woodstock in 1957, died on Jan. 7, leaving a legacy as a devoted family man, community leader, and businessman. 

His impact on the communities he served can be felt by those who enjoy the ever-expanding Debec Community Park or Woodstock’s expanded AYR Motor Centre. 

Debec residents John and Donna Carson worked beside Kennedy on community projects, which will forever be part of his legacy. 

John served with Kennedy, who chaired the Debec Local Service District Advisory Council before the 2023 amalgamation in which Debec became part of the Lakeland Ridges Rural Community. 

“Jim organized people and got them going,” John said. 

He said Kennedy spent much of his life lobbying for the community and supporting its needs. 

“Jim was a driving force,” John said. “He got things done without fanfare. He was a great organizer.” 

Donna, who joined the Debec Rec Council after Kennedy officially left it, said his influence remained with council members. 

“He had his finger on the pulse of what was going on,” she said. “He had a wealth of information which helped a lot. He was inspirational.” 

Former Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp worked beside Kennedy on several levels, including as a board member of the Western Valley Regional Service Commission, where Kennedy sat as chair for two years. 

“I’ll remember him being a strong supporter of the community, especially the kids,” said Slipp. 

He said Kennedy played a pivotal role as part of the advisory committee and the “Something for Everyone Campaign” spearheading the expansion of the AYR Motor Centre. 

Slipp said that as Woodstock mayor, he worked on numerous files with Kennedy, who chaired the Debec LSD Advisory Committee. 

“We really worked well together,” said Slipp. “Jim was always there to defend his community.”

Kennedy always called Debec home. John Carson said those feelings remained even after he sold the Debec General Store and moved from the community. 

John said that when he and Donna spent time at their cottage in the Beechwood area, they would go grocery shopping at the Co-op. He said they made a point of visiting with Kennedy. 

“We would always ask about Debec,” John said. 

The Carsons recalled Kennedy and the Debec General Store’s important role in the community. Donna recalled the Christmas tree Kennedy would erect in the store, including notes that detailed articles of clothing and sizes. She explained a visitor would pick a note and purchase a gift to match the information. 

John said he and other locals often had morning coffee at the store. Many volunteered to help maintain the community park, especially flooding the ice at the outdoor rink. 

“He even got us ball caps that said “Icemakers,” John recalled. 

Kennedy’s Carleton Funeral Home obituary reflects his devotion to family and community. 

“He was known locally as the mayor of Debec because of his long involvement in planning, sourcing, resolving and participating in community development,” it read. “Jim loved the community of Debec and those who called Debec home.” 

Kennedy enjoyed his most recent role with the Carleton Co-Op, where his obituary explained, “he also developed a strong respect and admiration for the community.”

It noted he never lost his commitment to staff, customers and community.

“He was always extremely proud of his commitment to his work and his time at Co-Op was no exception,” it said. “He greatly appreciated working with the employees of these stores as well as meeting and getting to know the people of Northern Carleton County.” 

Kennedy was predeceased by his mother, Charlene Doucette. 

He is survived by his spouse, Michelle Griffin; three sons, Ryan Kennedy (Claire), Trevor Kennedy (Yoshimi), and Brendan Kennedy (Winter); stepson Connor Griffin; granddaughters Hana and Mei; and siblings Colleen Laskey, Richard Doucette (Heather), and Cherie Doucette Linder (Paul).

Mass was held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock. Interment will take place in the spring at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Debec Animal Shelter if desired.

N.B. ROAD CONDITIONS (click to view current)

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