UPDATE: James K. Irving passes away

A well-known Canadian businessman has passed away.

James K. (J.K.) Irving was the chairman of J.D. Irving, Limited, which is based in Saint John, N.B.

His family announced his passing on Friday. He was 96 years old.

Irving was born on March 20, 1928, in Saint John. He was the oldest son of Harriet Lila and Kenneth Colin Irving and brother to the late Arthur and Jack Irving.

John K.F Irving deeply saddened

John K.F. Irving, a nephew of James, is among those sending condolences following his passing.

He said his uncle, along with his brothers Arthur and John (Jack), built upon the businesses established by their father, the late Kenneth Colin Irving (K.C.) J.K. and led the expansion, renewal and modernization of the operations of J.D. Irving, Limited.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of James K. Irving, who I have had the privilege to call uncle. I join with my family and all of our employees in expressing our deepest condolences to my cousins Jim, Robert, Mary Jean, Judy and their families, and the employees of J.D. Irving, Limited.”

He adds James always believed in the value of having a great team of employees, investing, producing an excellent product, and providing superior services.

“J.K. Irving began his career in the woods of northern New Brunswick and always had a deep concern about the environment and commitment to conservation,” John expressed.

“Under his leadership, J.D. Irving, Limited received national and international honours for its many efforts in environmental research and habitat conservation. J.K. was especially proud of J.D. Irving, Limited’s reforestation programs, planting over one billion trees.”

John adds that James was also committed to the betterment of his community, and was passionate about reducing poverty and improving the lives of others.

“He was the founder of the PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools), whose objective in Saint John is to break the cycle of poverty for students in vulnerable neighbourhoods, “ John commented.

“J.K. had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young people in the Greater Saint John area. J.K. was first and foremost a New Brunswicker and maintained a belief in the strength of our province and its people. His contributions to the province will live on for generations to come.”

John Irving is the president of Ocean Capital, the company that owns Acadia Broadcasting Corporation, which operates this station. He adds James was a big factor when decisions were made for the Irving family to first invest in the radio industry.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says legacy will live on

New Brunswick’s Premier also expressed his thoughts about the loss.

Blaine Higgs says the death of James K. Irving has left an indelible mark on this province.

“J.K. leaves an enduring legacy which will live on through the lives of his loved ones and his company’s employees across New Brunswick, Canada and internationally.  I know he was unwavering in his belief in New Brunswick and was proud to say his company was based in Saint John.”

Higgs adds that James contributed to the improvement and well-being of communities and organizations throughout our province and beyond.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offers condolences

“It is with sadness that I learned today of the passing of James K. Irving, a successful Canadian business leader and entrepreneur,” Trudeau stated.

“A proud New Brunswicker, Mr. Irving was a job creator for his province and across the country. Under his leadership, J.D. Irving became one of Canada’s top employers – and Mr. Irving became a symbol of Canadian entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Trudeau added that James will always be remembered and deeply missed.

Funeral arrangements for James K. Irving will be announced at a later date.

This comes just one month after the death of Arthur Irving, who ran Irving Oil, which is Canada’s largest oil refinery. He passed away on May 24 at the age of 93.