John Henry

John D. Henry of Chagrin Falls passed away on July 24, 2014. He was 89.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years Janet Hawkes Henry of Chagrin Falls. He was the loving father with Tudy Gatzert of David A. Henry of Shelburne Falls, MA, Michael A. Henry of Boston, MA, Susan A. Henry of Detroit, Michigan and Sarah J. Bradford of Royal Oak, MI, and the loving stepfather of Catherine L. Hawkes of Philadelphia, PA, Allison P. Hawkes MD of Orange, OH and Harry P. Hawkes, Jr., of Hunting Valley, OH (m. Cyndi). He was the treasured grandfather of Isaac G. and Alec A. Henry; John S., Natalie E. and Ian M. Bradford; Elizabeth M., Lauren P. and Harry P. Hawkes. He is also survived by his sister Mary T. McGarry and two nieces Beth and Jill McGarry.His dog Maggie misses her pal Jack and his regular treats dearly.

Jack was officially raised in Wilmington, DE by his dad Josh, his mom Sarah and his grandmother Mooey (Mulrooney). He was unofficially raised by his sisters Kay, Ann and Bobbie (dance instructor extraordinaire) and brother Jim. The ways of the household were Irish, and education was prized at the insistence of his mother. Jack graduated as salutatorian of his class at Archmere Academy. He majored in mathematics at University of Delaware, graduating at the age of 20. He then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in order to work for Proctor & Gamble. In short order Jack became Director of Market Research Worldwide. It was a critical time in the development of marketing research, and Jack steered P&G's work into a leadership position in the field.

During his tenure at P&G and while raising a family in Indian Hill outside of Cincinnati, Jack served as Chairman of the Board of the Advertising Research Foundation, Director of the American Marketing Association and Trustee of the Cincinnati Country Day School. He managed his sons' little league teams and freely shared his opinions with referees at their basketball games. He traveled to New York for work often - or to see one of his daughters perform in a play. After 39 years at P&G, he founded Jack Henry, Inc., a consulting firm, and completed many projects assisting major consumer products companies. He was Chairman of the Board for Phase One of Beverly Hills, CA and of the Masters of Market Research Program at the University of Georgia. Jack also enjoyed his time as a member of the Advisory Board of Manco, Incorporated.

Jack would have listed his major accomplishments a bit differently: Helpful, caring, responsible, dependable, ready to laugh (loud) and never ready to give up. He always tried to do his best and admired the same in others, no matter their station in life. He believed in God, most recently as a member at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, and served God by serving others tirelessly in the community during retirement.

It was not all work and no play for Jack. As a youth he ran around the baseball fields and billiard halls of Wilmington. He played third base at Delaware. When he went to confession on Saturdays and the priest wanted the halftime score of the Notre Dame football game, Jack dependably came through. Of all games, he liked golf most. Among his most treasured memories were the days he spent golfing with his brother Jim. Whether it was 54 holes in a day at a public links in Wilmington or 18 at one of the finest courses in the country, Jack loved his time spent outdoors with a golf club at hand and friends by his side. He parlayed his 14 handicap into more than a few victories with pals at the Camargo Club in Cincinnati, Quail Creek in Naples and the Hudson Country Club. There are those who would say he never lost a game of cards and could complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in record time.

His grandchildren kept Jack young. He loved their visits and frequent phone calls. He enjoyed their musical performances and attended the Geauga County Fair 4-H activities every year. He thrived when hosting family vacations with Janet in Naples, where he stood ready at breakfast every morning with a list of fun things to do.

Jack was very active locally, consistent with his desire to care for and help others and remain a vital part of the community. Maggie and he were often found at the Cleveland Clinic Health Center in Chagrin Falls, eagerly greeting patients and guests. For many years, Jack enthusiastically supported the arts by volunteering with the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre during the annual "Murder by the Falls" production and helping judge entries to the Chagrin Documentary film festival. As a member of the Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Jack spearheaded the creation of Chagrin Falls' official flag by personally sponsoring a contest to design and manufacture the flags. Into his 80's, Jack's love of baseball continued as he played in the Babes of 1916 Senior Softball League, where he delighted the fans with his incessant and infectious chatter. Jack was also a long-standing member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 27th, from 4 to 6pm at Brown Forward Funeral Home at 17022 Chagrin Blvd. Shaker Heights, Ohio. Memorial services will be held on Monday at 3pm, July 28th, at the Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jack Henry to: Greater Cincinnati Knothole Association at P.O. Box 36377, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 or Greeter Dog Program at the Cleveland Clinic c/o Volunteer Services, 9500 Euclid Avenue -- P48, Cleveland, Ohio 44195.


PDF Printable Version