James Kinley facts for kids

John James Kinley was an important Canadian leader. He was an engineer and businessman. From 1994 to 2000, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. This role is like being the Queen's (or King's) representative in the province. He was the 29th person to hold this job since Canada became a country.

Early Life and Education

John James Kinley was born on September 23, 1925. His hometown was Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. His father, also named John James Kinley, was a politician.

Young John James went to university to study engineering. He attended Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Technical College. He also studied at the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

A Career in Engineering and Business

After finishing his studies, Kinley became a professional engineer. He worked in business for over 50 years. He held important jobs at companies like Lunenburg Foundry & Engineering Co. Ltd. and Lunenburg Marine Railway. These companies were important for building and fixing ships.

He was also involved in many groups that helped businesses. He was an honorary leader for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters in Nova Scotia. He also led the Offshore Trade Association of Nova Scotia.

Military Service

Kinley also had a strong military background. He served in the Canadian Merchant Navy, which transports goods by sea. He was also part of the Royal Canadian Navy. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander in 1958.

He continued to support military groups. He was president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Lunenburg. He also led the Navy League of Canada. He was even an Honorary Colonel for two military units: the #14 Airfield Engineering Squadron and the West Nova Scotia Regiment.

Serving as Lieutenant Governor

In May 1994, John James Kinley was chosen to be the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. The Governor General of Canada appointed him. This decision was made on the advice of the Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien.

He officially started his new role on June 23, 1994. The ceremony took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Important people like Premier John Savage and Chief Justice Lorne Clarke were there.

Family Life

John James Kinley lived in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia for most of his life. He was married to Grace Elizabeth (MacPherson) Kinley. They had four children together: Paula, Peter, Edward, and Shona. They also had eleven grandchildren.

Honours and Awards

John James Kinley received many awards and honours for his work. These awards recognized his achievements in engineering, business, and public service.

• Sir John Kennedy Medal from the Engineering Institute of Canada.
• Centennial Gold Medal from Dalhousie University in 2007.
• He was a member of the first Duke of Edinburgh's Study Conference in 1956. He even attended its 50th anniversary at Buckingham Palace in London in 2006.
• He was a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada.
• He was a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers.
• He was a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Engineers.
• He received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Dalhousie University in 1995.
• He received the Grand Commander of the Royal Norwegian Medal of Honour.
• He was a Knight of Grace, Knight of Justice, and Vice Prior of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Images for kids

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  Ribbon for the Order of Saint John

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  The Coat of Arms of James Kinley