Jimmy Kinnon facts for kids

James Patrick Kinnon (born April 5, 1911 – died July 9, 1985) was a very important person in starting Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This is a worldwide group of people who help each other live healthier lives. During his life, he was often called "Jimmy K." This was because the group believes in keeping personal identities private when talking to the public. He never called himself a "founder," but he clearly played a big role in starting it.

Early life and helping others

Jimmy Kinnon was born in Paisley, Scotland on April 5, 1911. He was the first of seven children.

When Jimmy was seven years old, he became friends with a man named Mr. Crookshank. This man was struggling with a very difficult problem. One day, Jimmy found Mr. Crookshank badly hurt. Jimmy quickly ran to get help. After some time, Jimmy's mother took him to see Mr. Crookshank. He was in a special place and was very unwell. When they left, Jimmy told his mother that he wanted to help people like Mr. Crookshank when he grew up.

Jimmy Kinnon and his family moved to the United States on August 8, 1923. They lived in Philadelphia. Jimmy went to a Catholic school in Germantown. He thought about becoming a priest, which meant many years of study. Later, he became a roofer and a painter. He met Agnes Cragin and they got married in Philadelphia in 1934. They had five children together after moving to California in the early 1940s.

Writing and creating for the group

Jimmy Kinnon wrote much of the first books and pamphlets for Narcotics Anonymous. These writings are still used all over the world today in many meetings. He was the main writer for the Yellow Booklet and Little White Booklet. These were used throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

From 1953 to 1977, the group only had small booklets and pamphlets. Then, from 1979 to 1982, hundreds of members worked together. They used Jimmy's early writings to create The Basic Text. This book was special because it was written by people who were getting better, for other people who wanted to get better. It was first printed in 1982.

Jimmy Kinnon also designed the group's main symbol, the group's meeting symbol, and the service symbol. He also wrote the Gratitude Prayer and the Fruit of the Harvest statement. These are found at the beginning of The Basic Text. Since 1982, over 9.3 million copies of The Basic Text have been printed. It has been translated into 31 languages.

Later life and legacy

Jimmy Kinnon had health challenges for many years. He passed away from lung cancer on July 9, 1985, in California. Before he died, he shared a message. He said that if he had a headstone, it would say: "All we did was sow some seeds and work and wrought to make this work, so that we and others could live. In Peace, in Freedom and in Love." This shows how much he cared about helping people find a better way to live.

See also

• Narcotics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps
• Twelve Traditions