James K. Irving dead at 96
J.K. Irving, chairman of J.D. Irving Ltd., has died at the age of 96, according to a news release from the company Friday evening.
James K. Irving died peacefully Friday in Saint John, the release said.
He was the son of Irving patriarch K.C. Irving, who died in 1992. K.C. was an industrialist who turned a single gas station and sawmill into a family-controlled business conglomerate, making him and his three sons among Canada’s wealthiest businessmen.
That business, based in Saint John, includes forestry, energy, agriculture, transportation, retail, food, construction and shipbuilding, its website says. It was founded in 1882 and operates in Canada and the United States.
The forestry and paper operations overseen by J.D. Irving are New Brunswick’s largest private-sector employers.
J..K. Irving’s death marks the end of a generation of Irving brothers who split their father’s company into three.
His brother Arthur died in May at age 93 and had been chairman emeritus of Irving Oil. Their brother Jack Irving died in 2010.
J.K. Irving is predeceased by his wife, Jean Irving, and is survived by four children, Jim, Robert, Mary-Jean and Judith, as well as 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Irving family on the passing of James K. Irving,” Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Throughout his life, J.K. made substantial contributions to the City of Saint John. His efforts touched many lives, from his leadership in the business community to his environmental initiatives and dedication to youth.”
She also highlighted his contribution to the Partners Assisting Local Schools program in Saint John, which aims to reduce child poverty.
Don Darling, former mayor of Saint John, said on X, “Few words can capture the immense contribution his family has made.”
In 2015, J.K. Irving was invested as a member of the Order of Canada “for his transformative contributions as a corporate leader who has advanced economic development in rural and urban New Brunswick,” according to the Governor General of Canada’s website.
“His visionary leadership of J. D. Irving, Limited has helped to strengthen the economy in the Maritimes by creating opportunities for sustainable employment. He has also supported local economies by helping to develop the province’s future leaders, by funding programs in business, the environment and forestry at the University of New Brunswick,” the website went on to say.
He is also listed in the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
“J.K. Irving continues to follow the basic formula learned from his father: build a great team of employees, invest, produce an excellent product, give superior service, and then reinvest again,” reads a summary on the organization’s website.
“Throughout his career, J.K. Irving’s primary motivation and greatest reward has been the challenge of building best-in-class businesses from the ground up with a team of people who share his passion for detail and quality.”
