Jarvis Perkins Obituary

Perkins, Jervis Babb (Jerry) 56, passed away March 14, after battling cancer for almost a year. A native of the North Shore, Jerry attended the Country Day School in Winnetka and Williams College, graduating in 1977. He also earned an MBA in marketing and finance from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. After spending 20 years in 3 different institutions, Jerry never had to change his school colors of purple and white. Jerry began his career in Brand Management at The Quaker Oats Company. He was responsible for Gatorade, Life Cereal and Cap'n Crunch where he won a "Best Promotion" award for "Where's the Cap'n?" After 17 years, Jerry moved to Brunswick Corporation and became VP/General Manager after working on Mercury Marine boating and recreation equipment. Perkins spent 3 years at Johnson Outdoor in Racine, WI, overseeing a $400 million business before moving to AeroGrow International where he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Jerry is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pat Mayland, his daughter, Christine Perkins, his father, Donald S. Perkins, step-mother Jane Perkins, and two sisters, Betsy Hill and Susan Perkins. Preceeded in death by mother, Phyllis Babbs Perkins. Jerry will be remembered as a loving husband, proud father, caring son and brother. Among his many friends, colleagues and admirers his frequent quips and inimitable wit will be greatly missed. Friends are invited to visit family members on Saturday, March 19th from 2-5 PM at Shoreacres Club, 1601 Shoreacres Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts to Northwestern University, Bienen School of Music, 711 Elgin Road, Evanston, IL 60208 or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Special Giving Fund, 7th Floor, 520 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018 Arrangements are being handled by Wenban Funeral Home, 320 East Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045.