Jack Penrod

June 25, 1939 - February 3, 2025

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Jack Penrod, 85, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on June 25, 1939, to Ruth and Chester Penrod in Columbus, Ohio, during the Great Depression, Jack was one of five siblings. His early years were shaped by resilience and determination, traits that would later define his extraordinary life.

From modest beginnings, Jack's journey was one of remarkable success. He began his career as a McDonald's line cook and quickly grew to be one of the franchise's biggest owners. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open several popular bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Daytona. In 1988, Jack transformed South Beach with the opening of Penrod's Beach Club, revitalizing the area from a quiet retirement community into a vibrant resort destination for the young and trendy. Recognizing his transformative impact on Miami Beach, the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami Beach proclaimed April 17, 2012, as "Jack Penrod Day" in his honor.

In 1998, Jack honored his late daughter Nicole by founding Nikki Beach on the former Penrod's Beach Club site, a heartfelt tribute that became a destination synonymous with celebration, community, and a unique blend of music, dining, and entertainment that organically grew into a global luxury lifestyle brand. Jack remained the visionary behind Nikki Beach Hospitality Group until his final days.

Jack's adventurous spirit was as dynamic as his business ventures. An avid diver, skilled pilot, and thrill-seeker, he found joy in life's extraordinary challenges whether living off the land in remote habitats, flying high above the clouds, or hosting A-list celebrities at Nikki Beach. Jack's life was a tapestry of wild adventures, heartfelt connections, and a commitment to living life to the fullest. Jack documented his extraordinary life in his autobiography, One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life, published in 2023.

His boundless enthusiasm for life and business left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Through his mentorship, generosity, and vision, he touched the lives of countless individuals friends, colleagues, employees, and guests who were inspired by his passion and kindness. His influence extended far beyond his businesses, shaping communities and creating lifelong connections around the world.

In 1984, Jack met his wife, Lucia, and together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and unforgettable memories. They raised twins, Jake and Isabella, and shared a bond that inspired everyone around them. Jack was predeceased by his daughters, Nicole Penrod and Tracey Penrod, his brothers, Chuck and Bob Penrod, and his grandson, Max Higney. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucia, and their children, Jake and Isabella, as well as his children Michele and Michael from his first marriage to Annette Yarborough. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Caitlin Shearsmith, Zachary Payne, Cassidy Payne First, Austin Higney, and Skylar Penrod, along with great-grandchildren Sienna, Juliette, and Henley Shearsmith, and Arlen Payne. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Ann Penrod-Kramer and Melodie Cunningham.

For more details on the services, please visit: https://www.vanorsdel.com/obituaries/jack-penrod/#!/Obituary

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that donations be made in Jack's memory to Nikki Cares, the 501(c)3 charity he launched to support causes close to his heart. Donations can be made via Zelle using the email address [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald from Feb. 4 to Feb. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Penrod

18 Entries

Lori Trogstad

March 8, 2025

I have fond memories of working for Jack as his vice president at WUV´S International In Fort Lauderdale. He was a kind and gentle man and deserved all the accolades he received. I have thought of him often through the years. We had a good group of people and I miss them, but especially him. My condolences to his family.

Todd Preston

February 9, 2025

I worked security at Penrod´s circa 1990-1991 and have fond memories of Jack and Bob. It was a pleasure working for them. May Jack´s memory be a blessing.
Semper Fidelis

Michelle Ruiz

February 8, 2025

My sincere condolences to Lucia and Family. From Miami Beach - Fort Lauderdale beach to Abaco our hearts are with you all

Jim Chaltas

February 7, 2025

I will always remember Jack working for my dad at the City of Homestead Parks & Recreation Department- I thought he was a cool dude - rest in eternal peace Jack...Jim Chaltas

UNITED SACRAMENT MOBILE & WOLF

Planted Trees

Juan Galan

February 6, 2025

Quite a guy and a visionary entrepreneur! Met him and Lucia in the early days of Penrod's Club when he was a restaurateur and I owned a beer distributorship. He definitely built his dreams successfully - May he Rest in Peace!

Randy Avon

February 6, 2025

Aloha my special friend

Randy Avon

J J

February 5, 2025

Went to Penrod`s during spring break in a 1970s from New Jersey. The place was amazing. JACK was always there shaking hands buying drinks. Great guy wouldn´t influence on everyone at that early age now we´re in our 70s and those are memories. Rest in peace, brother the women were amazing. The parties were good. He who dies with the best tan wins.

Tim Momat

Sent Flowers

Jim Marcey

February 5, 2025

Jack was the first person to hire me at Penrods on the Beach when I moved to Florida in 1983. He was always friendly and respectful to me, and his referral led to multiple South Florida bar gigs. RIP Jack.

AJ Torres

February 5, 2025

I was hired by Jack in 1967, before the opening of the McDonalds on Unrise Blvd. I worked for him for three years while in high school and college. I learned so much about leadership from him that I have used throughout my life. RIP, Jack.

Jody humphrey

February 5, 2025

Will all ways remember working for you at Wuv's International, and the excitement of opening all the restaurants......and the beautiful Cafe Martinique

Tecia DeRosa

February 5, 2025

Rest in Paradise
A True Florida Legend

Gregory Bouchet

Planted Trees

Ann Symonds

February 5, 2025

I´m so sorry for your loss. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Mike Doran

February 5, 2025

I met Jack when I was a District Commander for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in the 1980's. He was a member of several advisory committees we both served on. He seemed to genuinely want to make the beach a better, more
welcoming place for everyone. He was honest and friendly and worked with us to resolve problems that arose in the entertainment industry. I wish his family the best.

Sharyn Sambrick

February 4, 2025

I am so sad to hear of Jack´s passing. I was one of the creators of Soul Garden just as Nicki Beach was being created. I feel very blessed to be able to have worked together closely with Jack and Lucia I stayed working for Jack for nine years until I found out I was pregnant while opening Nicki beach in Atlantic City. My goal had been to help open Nicki beaches around the world but childbirth changed all that. I still feel very close to Nicki Beach and everyone that I had work together with and met there. Rest in paradise Jack you were one amazing human being.

Michael Lynott

February 4, 2025

Jack was a humble yet larger than life man. He was generous, thoughtful, fun and wicked smart. A real life McGiver. Lee and I are so grateful for his friendship. He made us feel like family while making lifetime memories all around the world together.

Love and hugs to Lucia, Jake, Michele and Michael. We feel your loss.

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