Jack Dow Rutherford

Jack Dow Rutherford, 83

Jack D. Rutherford, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, formerly of Mt. Clemens, Michigan and summer resident of Bay View, Michigan; passed peacefully on June 30, 2017 at Villa by the Bay in Petoskey, Michigan. 

Jack was born on October 5, 1933 in Greenland, Arkansas to James A. and Leslie N. (Williams) Rutherford.  At the age of 6, Jack’s parents moved to Michigan, the family settled in Mt. Clemens where Jack attended Mt. Clemens High School.  He went on to attend Wayne State University, Henry Ford Community College, Purdue University, and Michigan State University, where he received an MBA. He also received an advanced management degree from Harvard Business School.

Jack worked for Ford Motor Company for 26 years.  From 1978 to 1985, Jack served in various executive officer positions at International Harvester (Navistar International), including Vice Chairman from 1984 to 1985, and President and Chief Operating Officer from 1983 to 1984. He was also co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICM Industries, Inc., a private holding company of turnaround manufacturing businesses.

In his leisure time Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, playing golf, hunting and photography.  He was a member of the Hinsdale United Methodist Church in Illinois and a 50 year member of the Free and Accepted Masons.  He was a past board member and former President of the Michigan State University Foundation.

Surviving family members include his loving wife Marilyn, his daughter Lori Rutherford Tan, his grandchildren Elizabeth Verzo, Alex Tan, Meredith (Caleb) Cox, and Olivia Tan, and great grandchild Willabee Cox.  Also surviving are two step-grandchildren Suzette and Elberto Verzo.  He was preceded in death by two children, daughter Barbara Verzo in 1992 and son Michael Rutherford in 1975.

Those wishing to honor Jack’s memory are asked to consider the Michael J. Rutherford Endowed Scholarship, University Development, through the Michigan State University Criminal Justice Program. , 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824-1005. http://cj.msu.edu/school-of-criminal-justice-alumni-association/giving/undergraduate-scholarship-giving/

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