Gerald James Prescott Jr, 83, of Ann Arbor Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2018 at the Avow Center in Naples, Florida. Born in Flint Michigan on May 26, 1934, to Gerald James Sr. and Beatrice Smith Prescott. He lived all of his adult life in Ann Arbor.
Jerry married Lorna Ball in 1957. Together they raised 4 children; Sydney (Keith) Kiefner, Tom Prescott (Vaughan), Kristi (Mike) Boston and Dorie (Larry) Maugh. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren who he loved dearly (Whitney, Victoria and Chip Kiefner; Andi and McKaley Boston; and Katie and Lance Maugh). He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joan Prescott Hough.
A graduate of Flint Central High School, Jerry went on to the University of Michigan where he received both a Business and Law degree. He was a member, and President, of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated from the Business School in 1956 and went onto receive his Law Degree from the U of M in 1959. After passing the Bar he served in the United States Air Force. When Lorna's father learned Jerry wasn't interested in practicing law, he offered him a job at his company The King Group. Jerry loved the business and was President of several state and national trade associations receiving numerous honors and awards along the way including Young Executive of the Year in 1964, Candy Man of the Year three times and was inducted into the Candy Industry Hall of Fame. Jerry co-founded a new division of the company - Distributor Concepts, one of the early pioneers in the computerization of the wholesale food distribution business in the early 70's.Partnering with IBM, Distributor Concepts provided software and hardware solutions to more than 200 wholesale food distributors across the country.
Jerry was a former President of Rotary and a recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. He'd also been active with many community non-profits including Washtenaw United Way and the First Presbyterian Church where he has held many leadership positions. A true blue Wolverine, Jerry was a fan of Michigan athletics his entire life. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Lorna and close friends. In retirement, he was both an avid reader and an author. He wrote four novels, one of which became a number one best seller in Ann Arbor.
A celebration of his life will take place later this Spring on Friday, May 25th at 2:00pm in Ann Arbor at the First Presbyterian Church.
Memorial donations may be made to The Rotary Club, The First Presbyterian Church or The United Way.
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