Jacob Kisling Jr.

1937 - 2025

JW Kisling Jr. passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2025.

In passing, he rejoins his wife of 65 years, Mary Nast Kisling; his sisters, Patricia Meier (John), Rosejoan Holden (Jerome), and Marilyn Scott (Edward); and his parents, J.W. and Mildred Kisling.

He is survived by his children, Wally Kisling (Sue), Kim Walsh (Jim), Debbie Wiseman, and Kristin McGrath; fourteen grandchildren, Laura Christy (Brendan), Lexi and Megan Kisling, Kaitlin Polvino (Nick), Jimmy, Conor, Jack, and Matthew Walsh, Madeline McReynolds (Charlie), Lindsey, Caroline, and Lauren McGrath, and Stephen and Christopher Juan; his great-grandchildren, Nolan and Brooks Christy and Walter McReynolds; and "bonus" grandchildren, Catherine, John (Bridgette), and Tommy Groden.

Born on January 30, 1937, J.W. was a native St. Louisan, educated at St. Teresa Grade School, Chaminade College Preparatory, and Christian Brothers College. He then attended the University of Notre Dame, serving as lieutenant colonel of the University's Army ROTC unit. Following graduation, he accepted a Reserve Commission with the U.S. Army and began working for his father and uncle at the family business, Kisco Company. It was the start of a career marked by entrepreneurship and successful collaboration with family. While working at Kisco, J.W. earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

In the decades that followed, J.W. helped grow Kisco, meeting challenges and seizing opportunities with dedication, ingenuity, and a world-renowned work ethic. Later, the family purchased Multiplex Company and transformed a failing business into a thriving success story. His success and leadership earned him recognition on the global stage, most notably from U.S. Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton. In 1988, he accepted the "E" Award for Exporting from President Reagan on behalf of Multiplex Company. In 1995, he participated in the White House Conference on Small Business and was appointed Chairman of the Missouri District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He also served as a Delegate to the United Nations International Labour Organization in Geneva from 1997 to 1998.

J.W.'s business leadership and expertise culminated in his tenure as a Distinguished Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University's John Cook School of Business. In 2012, his legacy of service was honored through the dedication of the school's J.W. & Mildred Kisling Volunteer Center, recognizing the entire Kisling family.

Throughout his life, J.W. visited more than 60 countries across six continents, often with his beloved wife, Mary. They prided themselves on making and maintaining lifelong friendships around the globe, but it was their relationships at home, with their children and grandchildren, that they viewed as their crowning achievement.

In his later years, J.W. took on his ultimate job title, Papa. He was a storyteller, mentor, provider of "Kisling unsolicited advice," math tutor, fishing instructor, doting grandfather, and family historian. A great believer in the power of understanding one's roots, J.W. gifted his family in 2022 with a completed record of the Kisling family history spanning the previous 100 years, leaving his descendants with the gift of understanding where they came from and the legacy they will help write for future generations.

In his own words: "we inherit more than money and genes from our parents. We inherit their values, customs, and goals together with many intangible traits."

He leaves behind wisdom gained over an extraordinary lifetime and a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire his family for years to come.

A memorial Mass will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church, 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mildred and JW Kisling Charitable Foundation.