Who was Jimmy K?

Together with Frank and Doris C, Guildia K, Paul R, Steve R, and others, Jimmy K founded Narcotics Anonymous in Southern California. He and these members held a series of meetings beginning 17 August 1953 in order to organize what was then referred to as “San Fernando Valley Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous” The first documented recovery meeting in Southern California was held on 5 October 1953.

Jimmy is a key figure in NA’s history for several reasons. He wrote several portions of the Little White Booklet, the most famous of which is the “End of the Road” section. He designed the NA logo (later modified by the WSC). He served as the volunteer office manager of the WSO from the time it began to 1983.

Jimmy K lived from 1911 to 1985. The last 36 years of his life were spent as a clean and recovering member of Narcotics Anonymous.

--Excerpt from NA World Services’ NA Way Magazine ®

 

Addendum:

On June 2, 2009, a member emailed us the following correction to the above:

Hello!
May this find you in health, balance, and gratitude this day.
Upon reading about Jimmy K. on the SFV area website, I noticed that he passed with 36 yrs. clean, however it was 35. He got clean in 1950, and died in 1985. ( I am a NA History buff, and have spent a lot of time with some of his remaining family, friends, and sponsees)
You may also want to add that he wrote most or all of our 6 readings, gratitiude prayer, fruit of the harvest statement at beginning of the Basic Text. He also wote the Recovery and Relapse, and Another Look I.P.'s. Additionally he designed our Logo, and Symbol, and got us going again after we died out in 1959.
There is a lot more. I have a NA History display and have done workshops at conventions. I may some to your convention this year, and can do it if you want .
Hugs and Blessings,
IJ
Pacific Cascade Region of NA