John “Jack” Wayne Morrison, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18 at the age of 85.
Jack was the son of Albert and Mary F. Morrison and spent most of his career as Executive Vice President of Morrison Industrial Equipment. He served on the MHEDA Board for eight years and was President of the Association in 1979.
He graduated from Evanston High School, and received his business degree from St. Joseph (IN) college. Jack was the consummate business entrepreneur. He was a pioneer in the forklift and floor cleaning machine parts business and established a parts cross-reference system that revolutionize the industry. He was the founder and president of Rapidparts Inc. and founder and president of Mor-Value Parts Co. and other companies.
Jack was a man of character and loved to be productive. He volunteered as a deacon, elder and finance board member at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and other organizations. Jack promoted and organized jazz music and concerts locally and nationally. He served on the board and as president of the West Michigan Jazz society and the Four Freshman Society Fan Club attending and working at many of their national conventions. Jack was an excellent bridge player. He loved hosting jazz parties for his friends featuring area jazz musicians. He was a movie buff, baseball coach to his son, and long time Lions, Tigers, and MSU fan. Jack will be greatly missed by his loving family and many cherished friends.
MHEDA extends its deepest sympathies to the Morrison family. A memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined because of the Covid-19 situation in our nation. Memorials in Jack’s memory may be made to West Michigan Jazz Society, Feeding America West Michigan or Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
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