John "Jack" Wayne Morrison

John “Jack” Wayne Morrison, age 85, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18 with his family around him. Born in Terre Haute, he was the son of Albert and Mary F. Morrison. He graduated from Evanston High School, and received his business degree from St. Joseph (IN) college. 

Most of his career he was Executive Vice President of Morrison Industrial Equipment. 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. He served on the board and as President of the national trade association, MHEDA. 

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. 

Jack was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Mary K. Morrison, married 59 years; and his brother William. He is survived by his two children, Cathy (Robert) Donaldson of Plymouth, MI, and Jeff (Jeanette) Morrison of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, who he loved dearly, Katie (Matt) Ealy, John (Rachel) Donaldson, Lauren Donaldson, Lindsey (Alex) Alm, Jennifer Morrison, Mark Morrison; three great- grandchildren, Jason, Jack, Violet and brother Richard (Judy) Morrison and sister in law Jan Morrison. 

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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