Jack Allen Pirrie
Jack Allen Pirrie, 79, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, August 01, 2018. Jack was born on October 5, 1938 and is predeceased by parents Robert M. Pirrie, Jr. and Gerdaline Pirrie; and brother, Robert M. Pirrie, III. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Pirrie, whom he cherished for 28 years, and his sister, Sandra (Roy) Cook. He was the dear father of three children Mary Kate (Lynch) Bennett III, Jack (Victoria) Pirrie Jr., and Michael (Kristin) Pirrie Sr; grandfather of nine precious grandchildren Lynch (Monique) Bennett IV, Katie Marie (Jordan) Kester, Gabrielle Pirrie, Kristianna Pirrie, Joseph Pirrie, William Pirrie, Michael Pirrie Jr., Emmaline Pirrie, and Annabelle Pirrie; and special uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Maplewood High School, class of 1956 where he excelled athletically as a basketball All American, Missouri Prep-Player of the year, and second high schooler drafted by the NBA. He was track and field state champion in the 120 yard hurdles, and city champion in the high jump.
He matriculated at Vanderbilt University with the class of 1960 with a Southeastern Conference Basketball Scholarship earning all-SEC honors as a sophomore.
While at Vanderbilt he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Tennessee Alpha Chapter.
After completing his work at Vanderbilt he played competitive handball placing third in the YMCA National Tournament, and numerous tournaments throughout the Midwest.
He participated in a broad spectrum of business and community service enterprises including serving as Chairman of the Board of the Nashville YMCA, National President of the National Exchange Clubs of America and on the state Board of the Cerebral Palsy Association.
He opened his business career as a sales representative of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company becoming the youngest million dollar producer in the Company history.
As Vice President of Marketing for ICM of Chicago he built the firm’s assets from $500 million to $1 billion when the ownership group elected him President after which he led the firm to over $2 billion in assets under management.
Coming out of semiretirement where he consulted for a firm in Honolulu, HI; then he cofounded BFH Trucking which he built into a $10 million, 80 rig, regional firm which after 15 years was liquidated. In 2010 he retired permanently from business.
But his most rewarding position was the 15+ years of ministry to the children in the nursery at First Free Church, to which gifts may be made in lieu of flowers. (Please designate “Nursery” in memo.)
Service: First Free Church (main auditorium) 1375 Carman Road, Manchester, MO 63021 on Saturday, August 18; Visitation 1 PM; Service 2 PM.
Jack and his brother BOB were two of my oldest friends. JACK was a sophomore when i was a senior.
Was a teammate on the 1955-56 basketball team that took 2nd in state. Jack was a wonderful person to have as a friend. He touched a lot of people and will be remembered by many.
Jack played an especially meaningful part in my life, as he looked out for me in a loving, Godly way, referring to me as a “daughter”, kindly stating that he wanted to see no harm brought upon me. I cherish knowing his Godly ways, prayers, wisdom, prayers were upon me / us, and that he had a great heart for my son, as he assisted in accommodating his son. Jack’s love for Linda, for his children, grandchildren, and those in need was and continues to be impactful. Thankful for Jack’s life and strong yet gentle “ministry”. Thank You God for allowing me to be a part of his life. May God richly bless the family during this time of remembering Jack.
Jack and I grew up together as best friends and we shared many hours together. Whether it was basketball,
Track or hanging out we had a lot of
Fun together. Jack was the greatest
Person I have ever known. Bud
Thanks for sharing these lovely family photos with us! What an amazing man and what an amazing legacy! I will never forget his firm handshake and heartful hugs. When Jack hugged you, it felt like the rest of the world just faded away. His friendship was such a blessing to me. I am comforted by the knowledge that I will spend eternity with him in heaven, praising our God (from the front row :), of course). My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the rest of the family.
Words fail to adequately describe the greatness of this marvelous person, Jack Pirrie.
He was my Phi Delta Theta (???) fraternity pledge brother, my roommate, my wedding groomsman & one of my dearest, closest friends in school at Vanderbilt. He’ll be sorely missed.
Deepest condolences to Linda & the rest of his beautiful family.
God bless & rest in peace dear old friend.
I am so sorry today to read that my idol Jack Pirrie passed away two years ago. I also played basketball and ran track at MRH, class of 1958. Jack was such a great inspiration to us and contributed to MRH success even after he graduated. He was such a nice person and treated us with respect. (I have lived in Japan for over 50 years, but will never forget Jack, he was the BEST.