40. James Joseph Kenneally (1879-1954), unionist and politician
James Kenneally was born in New South Wales and was educated at the Christian Brothers in Redfern, Sydney. He married Mary Ann Flaherty in 1911. Kenneally was employed with the Western Australian Government Railways and became involved in the union movement. He was elected President of the WA Loco, Engine Drivers, Firemen and Cleaners Union in 1914 and appointed Secretary in 1919.
Kenneally joined the Australian Labor Party and became State President in 1927. He was elected MLA for East Perth in that same year and served until 1936, holding various ministerial offices from 1933 to 1936. He also served as Chairman of the Lotteries Commission and was a member of the Commonwealth Grants Commission.