Jerome P. Magdovitz

1935 - 2017

Jerome P Magdovitz

Cordova, TN

Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on August 6, 1935, Jerome Philip Magdovitz was the firstborn son of Lenabel May and Harry David Magdovitz. Jerome grew up from one end of Clarksdale to the other. He enjoyed living among a dozen aunts and uncles and nearly two dozen cousins. He attended Beth Israel Congregation in Clarksdale, becoming a Bar Mitzvah in 1948 and marking religious school confirmation in 1951.

Jerome found a particular interest in boy scouting. He made Eagle Scout, earned every merit badge, was tapped Order of the Arrow, and attended the 1952 and 1953 Boy Scout Jamborees. Jerome was the first scout in Mississippi to be awarded the Ner Tamid emblem, an award recognizing esteemed Jewish scouts.

Jerome graduated Clarksdale High School in the Class of 1953 and went on to Vanderbilt University, graduating in 1957. He maintained a lifelong loyalty to Vanderbilt, achieving recognition as an Oakleaf Society Partner of the university. He was also a life member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.

Jerome married Barbara Ann Shepp in Chicago on August 7, 1957. Jerome and Barbara had met during a popcorn and movie date in Clarksdale when they were both 12 years old. That evening was set up by their parents, aunts, and uncles, many of whom were friends. Jerome and Barbara made their home in Memphis for 59 years.

After college, Jerome began working in furniture manufacturing, design, and distribution. He was a shareholder in Imperial Manufacturing Company, located in Memphis, TN, and Walls, MS; Plastics Laminates, Inc. of Walls, MS; and Continental Chair Company of Memphis, TN. Imperial Manufacturing Company was among the first employers in Desoto County, MS, to offer medical and retirement plan benefits for "field to factory" entry-level workers. Jerome also had a 25-year involvement with the United Furniture Workers of America; in addition, he was a trustee of the United Furniture Workers of America Pension and Medical Benefits Trust for many years.

Jerome served Shelby County, TN, and Desoto County, MS, as a special sheriff's deputy. He served Memphis Juvenile Court as a youth probation officer, and he was a Mason, Lodge #118.



Jerome passed on November 9, 2017, and is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Barbara Shepp Magdovitz, his son, Andrew Harris Magdovitz, his brother, Lawrence Magdovitz, and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Brad S. Magdovitz of Memphis; his daughter, Sharon M. Davis of Tarrytown, New York; his grandchildren, Andrew R. Magdovitz (Marissa) of Memphis, Dina F. Magdovitz of Orlando, FL, Austin J. Davis of New York, NY, Meredith J. Davis of San Francisco, CA, and Logan J. Davis of Los Angeles, CA; and his great-grandchildren, Rocky Magdovitz and Barrett Magdovitz of Memphis.

We are filled with love for this special man. Our dad and "Papaw" taught us how to throw, hit, kick, and catch a ball, how to ride a bicycle, how to ride a horse, how to drive a car (always starting with manual shift). He taught us that honesty, integrity, and loyalty are powerful tools for success, that charity and friendship are important aspects of a well-lived life. He was an upright example of love for his religion, as well as an overall pillar of direction, education, and protection.

Jerome was a 52-year member of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Memphis. Please send any donations to Beth Shalom Synagogue, Chabad, Vanderbilt University, Baptist Reynolds Hospice House or a charity of the donor's choice.

Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Beth Sholom Memorial Gardens, 2265 Pate Road, Memphis, TN 38133