James K. Irving

James Kenneth Irving, (born March 20, 1928) is a Canadian billionaire businessman who is the eldest son of industrialist K.C. Irving.

In 1957, he pioneered the company's reforestation and tree improvement programs and expanded the forest products business.

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

In 1996, Irving was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and in 2008 he became a Member of the Order of New Brunswick and 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 (Partners Assisting Local Schools) program for schoolchildren locally in Saint John N.B. which has spread to have many schools in the province participating over the past 16 years.

With an estimated net worth of US$6.9 billion (as of 2019), Irving was ranked by Forbes as the 4th richest person in Canada.

Irving was married to philanthropist Jean E. Irving until her death in 2019.

They had four children, Jim Jr., Robert, Mary Jean and Judy.