Michael Dell Net Worth

What is Jim Kennedy’s net worth? 

Table of Contents

Introduction 

Jim Kennedy is an American media executive and the current chair of Cox Enterprises.

The conglomerate was founded by his grandfather, James M. Cox. Kennedy started his career in 1972, working in many media roles.

He then held many positions in the newspaper industry, including production assistant, reporter, copy editor, advertising salesman, business manager,

As of March 2024, Jim Kennedy’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $8.2 Billion. 

Early Life 

James “Jim” Cox Kennedy was born on the 29th of November, 1947, in Honolulu.

Kennedy is the son of Barbara Cox Anthony and airline executive Stanley C. Kennedy Jr.

His maternal grandfather was James M. Cox, the 46th and 48th governor of Ohio, newspaper publisher, and broadcaster. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver in 1970.

In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Kennesaw State University. 

Career 

James C. Kennedy started as a newspaper production assistant at Cox Enterprises in 1972, followed by roles as a reporter, copy editor, and advertising salesman.

Kennedy’s commitment and versatility quickly propelled him into the spotlight and by 1979, he assumed the role of president at Grand Junction Newspapers, Inc.

Unlike Rupert Murdoch who started his own media company, Jim Kennedy inherited his interest in Cox Enterprises from his mother.

In 1986, he was appointed executive vice president of Cox Enterprises and his impact on the company earned him the title of the “New Kid” in the industry.

Such was his contribution to the newspaper industry that he was later inducted into the Technology Association of Georgia’s Technology Hall of Fame in 2016.

Pinnacle of Success

In 2004, he was honored by Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business Hall of Fame for his contribution to the state.

A Forbes profile in 2015 titled “This Billionaire Knows The Secret To Saving A Family Business” highlighted his career success.

Two years later, in 2017, he was ranked as the 105th-richest person globally and 37th among the wealthiest individuals in the United States.

He held the title of the wealthiest person in the state of Georgia, having built his wealth to the point of becoming a billionaire.

Kennedy is one of the richest people in the world, joining Jack Ma, and Phil Knight on the list of wealthy industrialists.

Becoming Philanthropist  Of The Year

Beyond his financial success, Kennedy was a recognized philanthropist, with the prestigious title of Philanthropist of the Year in 2003 from the Association for Fundraising Professionals.

Jim’s dedication to education is remembered through the Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund and a contribution of $10 million to the University of Denver in 2008.

His fund offers 10 scholarships each year of $40,000 a piece to children of full-time Cox Enterprises employees who have a minimum 2.50 GPA.

Kennedy also contributed to the community through various foundations, serving on the board of the PATH Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Atlanta Committee for Progress.

In 2008, he established the James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation at the Mississippi State University.

Despite his remarkable success, Kennedy remains grounded and emphasizes the importance of sustainability, having featured as a speaker at Fortune’s Brainstorm Green.

Facing Health Challenges

Kennedy’s journey hasn’t been without challenges and in 2014, he faced a personal health crisis when diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Following his diagnosis, he threw himself behind an advocacy program for men’s health awareness, successfully raising nearly $2 million for the Movember Foundation.

He accomplished this with the help of Cox Enterprises and emerged from his ordeal cancer-free while continuing to promote health screenings for early detection.

In 2015, he announced a substantial $25 million grant to Emory for prostate cancer initiatives, proof of his ongoing commitment to health causes.

Like entrepreneur Bershan Shaw and ice hockey player, Saku Koivu, Kennedy has survived cancer and gone on to continue their life unimpeded.

Family Roots And Legacy

James C. Kennedy’s familial ties to Cox Enterprises are deeply rooted in his maternal grandfather, James M. Cox, serving as the 46th and 48th governor of Ohio.

This laid the foundation for the family’s involvement in media and business and was the starting point for his family’s media empire.

His sister, Blair Parry-Okeden, shares an equivalent stake in Cox Enterprises, inherited from their mother, Barbara Cox Anthony.

Kennedy is also particularly dedicated to the University of Denver, where he maintained his role as a board of trustees member.

He is actively engaged in wildlife conservation, establishing endowed chairs and centers at various institutions.

He’s Not Free From Controversy

Kennedy was involved in a dispute over public access rights to a river stretch he owns in Montana, stirring considerable controversy in the media.

The Wetlands America Trust presented him with its 2014 National Blue-winged Teal Award for his contribution to conserving the country’s natural resources.

His career serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring business leaders who have started at the bottom and worked their way up in the organization.

In 2007, he inherited a 25% stake in Cox Enterprises from his mother’s estate, but had by then learned the business inside out.

Jim Kennedy Net Worth

As of March 2024, Jim Kennedy’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $8.2 Billion. 

Highlights 

Here are some of the best highlights of Jim Kennedy’s career: 

• The current chairman of Cox Enterprises
• He gave $3.1M to create a University Endowed Chair in Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation at Colorado State University (2016)

Favorite Quotes From Jim Kennedy

“I’m still the chairman of the company. I’m still there a good bit of the time. The newspaper portion of the business is under real pressure and struggling. Newspapers need to figure out how to live in an electronically delivered news world. And they need to be able to monetize all the content they produce that is now delivered free.” – Jim Kennedy 

“Not as big an effect on television and radio. If you look at the numbers radio and television deliver, they’re still darn good, but the more ways people have to get news, entertainment or information, it segments the market.” – Jim Kennedy 

“My mother had a great love of the outdoors, and she instilled that in me. When I came to Colorado, I enjoyed — I hate to sound too corny — the majesty of the West, whether we were hunting, fishing, hiking or skiing, and I thought, “This is just so wonderful.” – Jim Kennedy 

“I’m fortunate that all three of my children hunt, to one degree or another. I’m a bowhunter for big game purely, and I only hunt with traditional equipment, so I’ve spent a lot of time hunting and not much getting.” – Jim Kennedy 

“Cox has a legacy of embracing technology and challenging the status quo. This is something we’ll continue to do. I’m personally excited to see how technology can not only improve business but also how we approach and improve sustainability and healthcare.” – Jim Kennedy 

3 Life Lessons From Jim Kennedy

Now that you know all about Jim Kennedy’s net worth and how he achieved success; let’s take a look at some of the lessons we can learn from him:

1. Be Stubborn

Be stubborn on the vision and strategy. 

2. Make It Work

Make things work, and if you fail, keep trying. 

3. Stop Worrying

If your brainpower gets drained by constant worry, you’ve got nothing left for the real issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Jim Kennedy worth?

Jim Kennedy’s net worth is estimated to be $8.2 Billion.
 

How old is Jim Kennedy?

Jim Kennedy was born on November 29, 1947, and is currently 76 years old.
 

How tall is Jim Kennedy?

Jim Kennedy’s height is Unknown.
 

Summary

Jim Kennedy is an American media executive who started at Cox Newspapers.

After a stint in Grand Junction, Colorado as president of Grand Junction Newspapers, Inc.

Today, he is the chairman of Cox Enterprises. The Atlanta-based business controls the third-biggest cable operator in the U.S. 

As of March 2024, Jim Kennedy’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $8.2 Billion.  

What do you think about Jim Kennedy’s net worth? Leave a comment below. 

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