▪ Members of Jim's family, Daniel McKenna and Ann Callahan, had emigrated to Boston during the Irish Famine (An Gorta Mór) in 1850 (Armagh) and 1852 (Cork) respectively.
▪ Daniel McKenna and his brother Neil were one of the six founding members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Boston (American Society of Hibernians) on March 17, 1857 (Incorporated March 27, 1861). This organization helped the sick and disabled members of their society and provided for the decent burial of the dead.
▪ Thomas McPartlin, Jim's McKenna's great granduncle from Drumkeeran Ireland, performed traditional Irish music on the banjo in Boston during the late 1800's.
▪ Jim McKenna's composition "Lament for Bridget O'Donnel" included in the Kilkenny Famine Experience Memorial audio visual tour; Kilkenny, Ireland
▪ "Lament for Bridget O'Donnel" referenced in Dr. E. Moore Quinn's "A Human Rights Pilgrimage in Ireland: Commemorating the Doolough Tragedy in the 21st Century"