James P. McKenna, 72, died in his home on May 14, 2014. He was a graduate of Manhattan College, an avid fan of trivia, NY Yankees and Giants. He also enjoyed taking long walks. James is survived by his loving cousins, Brian Carroll Sherrie, Michael Carroll Dianne, and Steven Carroll. He also has a large extended family in Ireland. Interment will be at a later date.
Jim’s untimely and unexpected death shocked and saddened his many colleagues and friends at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition CFSAN where Jim served as chief Administrative Officer for several decades before his retirement. In that role he was the epitome of excellence, confidentiality, and professionalism, smoothing the many reorganizations and making sure that whatever needed to happen administratively did happen in all aspects of operations. He will be particularly missed by his fellow retirees at our periodic lunches. We in the Office of Management shared many “interesting times”. Rest in peace. I will drink a dram of Jameson’s in Jim’s honor and memory tonight.
I never had the opportunity to work with Jim but I did have the honor of seeing the results of his outstanding professionalism at CFSAN. Having only the opportunity to see the results of his professionalism, his caring spirit, and his outstanding team building I can attest to the fact that his retirement was a great loss to CFSAN. Jim’s loss impacts not only his family and close friends but all who knew of his kindness and professionalism. May God bless and keep his spirit and watch over his family and loved ones.