John Allen Meyers

The Honorable John Allen "Jack" Meyers, 95, passed away on January 7, 2025. A devoted husband to the late Jane Bowers Meyers, Jack was a cherished father, proud grandfather "Gramps," and beloved great-grandfather and friend.

Born on February 21, 1929 in Winnetka, IL, Jack was the son of the late Fred W. and Ruth B. (Burras) Meyers. He graduated from New Trier High School before attending Michigan State University, where he played football and earned a B.A. in Journalism in 1951. In 1965, he completed the Advanced Business Course at Columbia University. Jack and Jane raised their 3 children in Greenwich, CT before moving to Vero Beach, FL.

Jack's distinguished career with Time, Inc. spanned 33 years from Cleveland, Chicago, to New York City. He held numerous executive roles, including Worldwide Sales Director for TIME Magazine and publisher of both SPORTS ILLUSTRATED and TIME Magazine. In 1985, he was named Chairman of all Time, Inc. magazines, overseeing iconic titles such as TIME, LIFE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, PEOPLE, FORTUNE, and MONEY until his retirement in 1988 as Chairman Emeritus.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Jack to the Presidential Board of Advisors on Private Sector Initiatives, granting him the title "Honorable." He also served as president of the Foundation for the United States Constitution, promoting education on constitutional history. As editor-in-chief, Jack launched CONSTITUTION - a new high quality, readable magazine focusing on American history. The Constitution Courier was later introduced in 1996, addressing contemporary constitutional issues and sent nationally to civics teachers along with a student study plan.

Following his retirement, Jack founded J.A.M. Enterprises, a publishing and marketing consultancy. Jack served on a number of corporate boards including Temple-Inland, Time-Life Books, The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Ally & Gargano Advertising Agency, Marketing Corporation of America, Tambrands, Inc, and Hunter Roberts Construction Group. In addition, he served in an advisory capacity for Archer Daniels Midland.

Jack was active in civic and community affairs. Serving as a director of the National Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, a director of the Advertising Council and of the Advertising Educational Foundation. He was also a trustee of the Foreman School in Litchfield, CT and a trustee of the Economic Club of New York.

During his career, Jack received a number of awards, among them: Distinguished Alumnus of the Year from Michigan State University; John F. Kennedy Award from the All-American Golf Foundation; Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Michigan State University; Marketing Communicator of the Year from the Sales and Marketing Executives International Association; I. Robert Kriendler Award from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation; Man of the Year in Business from All-American Collegiate Golf Foundation; Business Leadership Award from the Burden Center for the Aging; and the John N. Foreman Award for Distinguished Business and Public Service. Jack was listed as a noteworthy publisher by Marquis Who's Who.

A decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer, Jack served in Korea and was awarded the American Defense Medal, United Nations Medal, Korea Service Medal and Purple Heart.

An avid golfer, Jack played golf all over the world with his family. He belonged to a number of distinguished golf clubs including Seminole Golf Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, Jupiter Hills, The Stanwich Club, Blind Brook Club, The Mid Ocean Club, John's Island Club and Bent Pine. He was also a member of the United States Seniors Golf Association. It is no surprise that after playing until he was 94 years old, Jack had five Holes-in-One.

Jack was also a passionate boater. He was a long-time member of the New York Yacht Club, but his true passion was his family. He loved being on the water with his family both on Long Island Sound and also exploring the waters near their home in Vero Beach, FL. On the golf course or on his boat, Jack was never short on a witty comment or exciting adventure with his children and grandchildren.

Jack was warm, charming, and charismatic. He had an extraordinary ability to make those around him feel as if they were the most important person in the world. He was genuinely interested in each and every person he was with. With his warmth, flashing smile and witty sense of humor he would make people laugh and put them at ease. He brought much joy and humor to those around him and made their days just a little brighter.

Jack is survived by his daughters Jennifer Ann Meyers, Katherine Meyers Gormly (Matthew Edward Gormly III), son John Allen Meyers Jr (Jane Meyers), five precious grandchildren, Jason Burgess, Mariah Burgess, Amy Burgess, Matthew Edward Gormly IV (Lindsay Merrill Gormly), Charles Bowers Gormly, and three beautiful great-grandchildren, Merrill Grace Gormly, Matthew Edward Gormly V, and Meyers Harrison Gormly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Greenwich, CT. Jack's warmth, humor, and charisma will be deeply missed by all who knew him.