James M. Rock

James M. Rock, of Bryn Mawr died Sunday, September 30 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He lived on the Main Line for the past 50 years in Villanova, Haverford, Wayne and most recently, at the Tedwyn in Bryn Mawr. He was the husband of Rita Ann (nee Barry) Rock who pre-deceased him in January, 1999. Mr. Rock devoted his career to Farm Journal, the nation's oldest agricultural publication, where he was a stellar advertising sales representative. He was known for his sense of humor, joie de vivre and sales savvy. Jim had a customer focus unlike anyone else in the sales field. He would listen and always bring new ideas to the table. And there was always a sense of mischief after the business was complete. Jim was known to enjoy and "adult beverage" with friends, clients and even his competitors. "His clients were legion and his influence legend. Clients quickly became his friends. Always a fixture at Agri-Marketing conferences, Jim didn't so much attend, as he held court. Where there was a crowd and where there was laughter, Jim was often at the center. Loved and respected, he wasn't really a salesman, but rather a consultant and confidant." One of his greatest qualities was that of a mentor. He would take people under his wing and teach them or talk to them about the business. His experience and knowledge was a wonderful resource to those who knew him. Jim loved life and being around people. No one who met Jim was a stranger after 5 minutes of conversation. A quick wit, a sharp tongue and a school boy laugh could be heard when in Jim's presence. An advertising agency client remarked, "I've never met a better judge of people and character than Jim Rock. He was as loyal a friend as anyone could ever have, and his friends meant the world to him. And during his career, when you were his customer, you got his unyielding commitment. That can't be said about a lot of people." He and his wife travelled extensively and enjoyed playing bridge. They belonged for many years to Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli and the Downtown Club in Philadelphia. His daughter Anne recalls, "They were the best of friends and complemented each other perfectly. They met one summer while working at Glacier National Park and were inseparable thereafter." He was born in Marshall, MN, the son of the late Peter W. Rock and Florence (nee Regnier) Rock. He graduated from the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity and served on the student senate. After graduation, he served in the Armed Services and travelled extensively around Europe before returning to the U.S. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Rock Maurer, and his grandson, James Rock Maurer. In lieu of flowers, you may direct memorial gifts to the Rita Ann Barry Rock Scholarship at Dominican University. Please make checks payable to Dominican University, and indicate that your gift is in memory of James M. Rock. Dominican University, University Advancement, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305. Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home Inc www.chadwickmckinney.com