James Kennedy, born on November 29, 1947, in Honolulu, is not just an ordinary name but an American media executive who has etched an indelible mark in the industry. Holding the position of Chairman at Cox Enterprises, the very conglomerate founded by his grandfather, James M. Cox, he ranks among the 105th richest individuals globally, the 37th in the United States, and stands as the wealthiest Georgian. Zatrun.com takes an in-depth look at the life and career of this remarkable figure, from his early days to his transformative role in the media sector.

A Glimpse into James Kennedy’s Personal Life and Education

James Kennedy’s roots trace back to the sunny shores of Honolulu, located in the Territory of Hawaii. He is the son of Barbara Cox Anthony and Stanley C. Kennedy Jr., an airline executive. Adding to his illustrious lineage, his maternal grandfather is none other than James M. Cox, a notable figure who held the governorship of Ohio and made significant strides as a newspaper publisher and broadcaster.

Kennedy’s journey took a pivotal turn in 2007 when he inherited a substantial 25% stake in Cox Enterprises following his mother’s passing. Today, he leads as the Chairman of Cox Enterprises. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that his sister, Blair Parry-Okeden, stands as Australia’s second-richest woman.

Education has played a significant role in shaping Kennedy’s life. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver in 1970. In recognition of his contributions and leadership, Kennesaw State University conferred upon him an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2003. The year 2018 marked another milestone when he received an honorary doctorate from Colorado State University.

James Kennedy and his wife, Sarah, have made Atlanta their home. The couple shares their life with three grown children—a daughter and two sons—along with three beloved grandchildren.

The Ascending Career of James Kennedy

James Kennedy embarked on his professional journey with Cox Enterprises back in 1972, venturing into various roles within the media landscape. He initially entered the realm of Cox Newspapers, where his positions ranged from a production assistant, reporter, copy editor, advertising salesman, business manager, to ultimately an executive vice president/general manager in Atlanta.

What set him apart was his versatility, as he experienced both the production floor and the newsroom as he progressed through the ranks. Those around him fondly called him the “New Kid.” In 1979, he was appointed as the president of Grand Junction Newspapers, Inc., and shortly thereafter became the publisher of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

In 1986, Atlanta welcomed Kennedy back when he assumed the role of executive vice president of Cox Enterprises. His remarkable achievements in the field of technology even earned him a well-deserved spot in the Technology Association of Georgia’s Technology Hall of Fame in 2016. A testament to his significant impact and transformative leadership.

Education and Community Outreach

Acknowledged for his remarkable contributions to the community, James Kennedy and his wife, Sarah, received the esteemed title of Philanthropists of the Year from the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Fund-raising Professionals in 2003. His association with Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business Hall of Fame dates back to 2004. In an effort to support the children of Cox employees, Kennedy established the Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund, an initiative that awards ten scholarships annually, each valued at up to $40,000.

Furthermore, James Kennedy maintains a strong connection with his alma mater, the University of Denver. His commitment to the university is evident through his role as a member of DU’s board of trustees. In 2008, he made a transformative gift of ten million dollars to the University of Denver to establish the James C. Kennedy Institute for Educational Success within the Morgridge College of Education. This institute serves the purpose of identifying innovative and cost-effective strategies to enhance the educational success of vulnerable children.

Kennedy’s love for nature finds expression in his role as Chairman of the Colorado Division of Wildlife Commission. His involvement extends to numerous boards, including the PATH Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Atlanta Committee for Progress, and his past presidency of Wetlands America Trust, Inc. In 2008, Kennedy established the James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation, ensuring the perpetuity of teaching, research, and outreach programs focused on waterfowl and wetlands ecology and conservation at Mississippi State University.

In 2013, Tallahatchie General Hospital, with Kennedy’s generous funding, unveiled plans to construct a Wellness Center in Charleston, Mississippi, which later opened its doors in 2016. His commitment to wildlife conservation continued as he partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2014 to preserve wildlife habitats and facilitate public access to outdoor recreational activities.

James Kennedy’s contributions are not limited to a single institution. His gift of 3.3 million dollars to Clemson University resulted in the establishment and endowment of the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center. This center, located at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown and the Nemours Wildlife Foundation in Beaufort, serves as a hub for waterfowl and wetlands ecology and conservation research.

In 2016, James Kennedy extended a donation of 3.1 million dollars to create a University Endowed Chair in Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation at Colorado State University. These acts of generosity significantly contribute to the preservation of natural resources, earning him the National Blue-winged Teal Award from Wetlands America Trust in 2014. His dedication to sustainability led him to address the significance of this issue at Fortune’s Brainstorm Green. In line with his commitment, Cox Enterprises actively participated in the American Business Act on Climate Change Pledge, emphasizing sustainability.

Kennedy’s personal journey has also seen challenges, as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. He used this experience as an opportunity to encourage Cox employees to participate in Movember, raising awareness for men’s health. The company successfully raised nearly two million dollars for the Movember Foundation.

James Kennedy is currently cancer-free and continues to advocate for health screenings as an essential tool for early detection. In 2015, he announced a generous grant of 25 million dollars to Emory from the James M. Cox Foundation, which is directed towards supporting prostate cancer initiatives, emphasizing the importance of healthcare awareness.