John M. "Jack" KENNEDY

1951 - 2017

KENNEDY, John M. "Jack" February 07, 1951 January 03, 2017 Larger than life. Incredible man. Loved and admired by so many. That was Jack Kennedy Born in Yonkers, New York, Jack attended Cardinal Hayes and was a graduate of Manhattan College. He began his working life as a caddy at Suningdale Country Club and later worked at Wingfoot. Other jobs included cab driver in the New York area, bartender at legendary Harrison's in Atlanta, and Sports Talk Radio Host on WGST Radio Atlanta. But his true life's work was in the Gift and Furniture Industry. Starting his career in New York as a trainee in Gift Wholesale showrooms on Fifth Avenue, he rapidly advanced to positions as National Sales Manager, which led him to meet his wife, Donna, who led him happily to Atlanta. Once in Atlanta he moved on to the furniture industry, and ultimately to the second love of his life, Havertys Furniture. Jack proudly represented upholstered furniture lines to Havertys and over two decades developed a strong business for them and adopted all of the employees there, and at the manufacturers, as his second family. His compassion and passion ran deep in every facet of his life. He was truly committed to CURE Childhood Cancer, acting as Presenting Sponsor for many events, and as an ambassador for the cause wherever he went. As he fought his own battle with cancer, he said he could not bare the thought of children having to suffer from this horrific disease, and he fought up until his own death to improve theirs. Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Donna, and two brothers, Tommy (NY) and Joe (SC), and sister Mary Ann (NY), and many in-laws and nieces and nephews. He leaves a vast extended family who have had the pleasure of knowing and having this man in their lives. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made to CURE Childhood Cancer, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite N402, Atlanta, GA 30338.