James K Irving

James K. Irving, OC, ONB (born 1928) is the eldest son of industrialist K.C. Irving. J.K., as he is normally referred to, along with his brother, Arthur, share the ownership of what is known informally as the Irving Group of Companies. With an estimated net worth of $US 3.5 billion (as of March 2011), James Irving (with his brother Arthur) was ranked by Forbes as the 5th wealthiest person in Canada and 310th in the world.

Background

After their father's death in 1992, ownership and responsibility for the Irving companies were divided as follows:

• James K. — Brunswick News (publishing) and J.D. Irving Limited, the conglomerate with interests in forestry, paper, kraft, tissue, wallboard, building supplies, frozen food, transportation, shipping lines, and shipbuilding and several other interests. The company was started by his grandfather, hence the name.

• Arthur — Irving Oil, its retail stores, oil refinery, oil tankers and distribution terminals and facilities.

• Jack — Died in July 2010.

Companies within the Irving conglomerate are vertically integrated, meaning, where possible, they purchase products and services from other firms within the Irving Group.

In 1996, J.K. was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 2008 he was made a Member of the Order of New Brunswick, as well as a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. He is occasionally involved in efforts to preserve the Atlantic Salmon in northeastern North America.. Irving also started the PALS (Parters assisting local schools) program for school children locally in Saint John N.B. Irving is known for his humble attitude and is very passionate for the advancement of his home province of New Brunswick.

See also

• Kenneth Colin Irving for an overview and history of the development of the Irving Group of Companies.