I met Jim Kenyon one chilly morning at Lucky’s Coffee Garage in Lebanon many years ago, though I’d been reading his articles for decades. This was a work-related meeting in my then-capacity as director of community relations at West Central Behavioral Health. I had been forewarned to be careful with what I said to Jim, lest something get published that might harm me or my employer. What I found in Jim was, perhaps, one of the most compassionate and caring journalists I’d ever met. He was eager to help people and organizations that were helping the community. He championed the underdog and the underserved. That, to me, was clear from the moment we met and has remained so over many years since.
Jim’s North Star seemed to be two-fold. 1. To never be the least resistant when the truth was being hidden, and 2. That those in the Upper Valley who were among the most afflicted received his words of comfort. Conversely, he’s been comfortable unearthing and purveying the truth in anti-establishment ways that have served to afflict the most comfortable among us. As a journalistic role model, mentor, editor and friend, Jim dug in and exposed mistruths and half-truths to serve us and our community.
As he departs the Valley News, let’s be a little more like Jim and dig in, speak out and shine light on injustice that harms our most fragile community members; as if we are following Jim’s North Star, guiding us to take the most courageous path.
Farewell, Jim. And thanks for your wisdom and strength.