John C. Jamison

WILLIAMSBURG - John C. Jamison, businessman, educator and philanthropist passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 23, 2015. John is preceded in death by his wife, Carol S. Jamison and his daughter Debbie L. Jamison. John C. Jamison was born July 12, 1934 in Lafayette Indiana. John received a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Economics from Purdue University in 1956, followed by his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1961. John served in the U.S. Navy as a legal and communications officer aboard an attack transport from 1956 to 1959. John's professional career started at Goldman Sachs and Co. New York, NY in the corporate finance department as an associate from 1961 to 1969; as a general partner from 1969 to 1982 and as a limited partner from 1982 forward. As part of his work at Goldman Sachs, John made valuation reports and appearances in state and federal proceedings on businesses ranging from newspapers to professional sports franchises. In 1983, John C. Jamison was named Dean, of the School of Business Administration at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg VA. John retired from the School of Business in 1990, Professor Emeritus. John is credited with: establishing the School's Executive MBA and evening (FLEX) MBA programs, diversifying the School of Business' administration and staff, raising the School's endowment and forging "substance and quality" to the School of Business; leaving the School in a position "poised to compete for a spot among the nation's leading business schools". John's corporate directorships include work on the Boards of: Best Products Company Inc., 1994- Richmond VA, Williamsburg Winery Ltd, Williamsburg VA, 1992- , Richfood Holdings Inc., Richmond VA, 1990- Riverside Health Systems, Newport News VA 1988- , and Hershey Foods Corporation, Hershey PA 1974-2004. John previously served as director for G.C. Murphy Co., Cowles Communications Inc. and Health Management Associates Inc. Aside from John's service with Riverside Health Systems, John was appointed Chief Executive Officer and president of the Board of Trustees at his beloved Mariners Museum in Newport News VA 1990-1992. John has also served on the Visiting Committee, Harvard Graduate School of Education 1984-1990. He was a member of the (Virginia) Governor's Special Advisory Committee on master teacher / career ladder plans in 1984, Hurricane Island Outward Bound school Trustee 1978-1984, Krannert Graduate School of Management: Dean's Advisory Council 1978-1983; Purdue Foundation, Governor, 1980- 1983, Purdue Presidents Council Chairman, 1982. John was a director, advisor, supporter or trustee of many educational and theatrical organizations including the Williamsburg Symphonia. John has recently funded a production of the childhood classic: Peter and the Wolf for all local primary students. He also funded the production several years ago, and has offered a matching contribution to future productions through the Williamsburg Community Foundation. John C Jamison is a cofounder of the Williamsburg Community Foundation, Williamsburg VA. John served on the board of the WCF through its first eight years, 1999 to 2007. John received the Founders Award for "vision and excellence". And was recently honored by the Virginia General Assembly for his "exemplary service to the Williamsburg community on the occasion of the establishment of the Williamsburg Community Foundation's Founder Award for vision and excellence in his name." John's stalwart penchants for: value in education, service to community and smart fundraising challenges has enlightened so many. For decades to come, his philosophy will light a positive path for many more. From those who served with John in the U.S. Navy to those who listened to a production of Peter and the Wolf by his side; know: John C. Jamison's life philosophy does not require expertise or wealth; it merely requires willingness to leave something better than you found it. John is survived by his daughter, Kelly Jamison Supplee and her spouse, Paul Supplee; his grandchildren, Thomas R. Conrad, Hannah A. Supplee and Christopher J. Supplee all of Williamsburg VA. John is survived by his sister, Jane J. Messer of West Lafayette IN, her three children; Jamison Tatman, Sarah Palazzo and Scott Tatman. John will be missed by his devoted staff, Ruby, Malcolm and Brenda. In lieu of gifts and flowers, a matched gift for future productions of Peter and the Wolf may be given to the Williamsburg Community Foundation: www.williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org, or the Williamsburg Symphonia: www.williamsburgsymphonia.org Services for John C. Jamison will be held at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg VA on March 9th, 2015 at 11:00 AM. A gathering will take place following the service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net.