Jack was involved with the St. Michael community for several decades. His children attended St. Michael School. He was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Usher. In his later years he faithfully appeared at the parish offices every Monday morning to assist in counting the weekend's collections.

As a brother knight he was present and involved in the council's many activities, and could frequently be found with Earl  Tuttle greeting guests at fish fries and spaghetti dinners provided by the council.

For these reasons the council voted, upon Jack's death, to name the annual Knight of the Year Award to the Jack McKennon Knight of the Year Award.