Jack gave so much to so many of us. Please share your memories, photos and stories here.
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Jack’s family has established a fund to help provide for the educational needs of his children as they grow. If you wish to contribute, please do so at:
The Children of Jack Pitney Education Trust Fund
c/o BMW of North America, LLC
P.O. Box 1227 | Westwood, NJ 07675-1227
Attn: Joel Nash
147 Comments
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Wow…been thinking about our friend Jack a lot lately. We miss him so much, as many do. Gone but NEVER forgotten. We will always smile and be happy when we remember the good times…the happy times…the “Jack times.”
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I am both shocked and saddened by the death of a good friend I met during an SAT Prep class at John Jay High School. We went to rival high schools but that didn’t matter. Although we lost touch during college, I have thought about him often over the years, especially when I hear Dan Fogelbergs “Same Old Lang Syne” or drive through Twin Lakes where he had lived. He was such a fun, funny guy with a great smile and a love of cars. I remember the pride he took in his MGB. May your memories comfort you. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Quincey,
In times like these I’m not sure the correct words can ever be found to describe the sense of loss that is felt. As I continue to be challenged to find the words needed to describe the sorrow I am feeling and have felt since the news of your and all our loss of our dear Jack I will struggle immensely to find adequate words to describe my love and admiration for him. Certainly many have done a great job describing his passion for all things in life. His love for BMW-Mini-Motorcycles- having fun in all he did but most importantly his love and commitment to his family as well as friends and associates. I have many wonderful memories with Jack and a few with you too. The COE trip to china came after my first year as A BMW dealer. China was great no doubt but what I cherish is the friendship Jack and I started. I am attaching a pic of you, Sarah, myself and Günter (of coarse Jack was behind the camera) and a couple shots from Napa Valley, there’s no one better than Jack to share a mimosa with a 7:oo am in a hot air balloon floating over Napa. Over the past five years of knowing Jack I always looked forward to the next time I’d see or get to talk with him. The past two years have been challenging in the auto business no doubt. Many times when Jack would call me the timing couldn’t have been better; his calls seem to come at times when I needed words of encouragement almost like he knew I needed a Jack conversation. You couldn’t help but be on top of the world after one of those, his smile jumped threw the phone and infected you. I can replay so many of our conversations over the years, about business and were it was going but mostly about you and the kids and his interest in my family. When we were in Napa Jack and I spent almost every day there together doing different events and sites, I can’t remember one day in Napa Jack didn’t say multiple times he wished you could be there with him or how much you’d have loved this or that. Jacks class, character and compassion for others and love for his family was beyond reproach. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same… I know I am a better man for having Jacks influence and friendship in my life. I pray God hold you and the kids in the palm of his hand.
Doug and Sarah Warthan
Doug and Sarah,
Thank you for posting and kind words. I have such fond memories of our time together in China. The photo of us on the Great Wall made me laugh. It looks like I’m holding Gunter’s hand! I’m sure that Jack would have cracked up if he saw it. That’s what I miss the most about him. I miss his smile, laughter, and positive energy. It’s been really hard without him and the kids and I are trying our best, but this wound is so deep it’s going to be hard to heal. I know we will in time.
I hope you and your children are all well. If ever you are near the Lake, make sure to look me up. Nothing makes me happier than to see old friends. Good luck with COE. Hope you make it again. xoxo
Love,
Quincey
one more – he can’t belive his time..
ok, here’s the race pictures.
I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said, many times over, and I agree with and love reading all of it.
I can share that besides beach volleyball, basketball and golf with my brothers, Jack and I would play quite a bit of tennis as well. He would always beat me with his drop shot, and we’d laugh about it (almost) every time. He also taught me how to ride a motorcycle. Even though we are the same age, he was like a big brother with all his wisdom, leadership and teachings.
While reading the posts, I remember going with Jack to see Peter Farell race. We built a deck at his ill-fated condo in Santa Ana (Jackie), and when someone tried to steal one of his motorcycles from the garage, we built a rolling 4’ high by 12’ long wall with locks to hide the bike behind.
The pictures here are from an SCCA race at Willow Springs racetrack in Southern California. I was the pit crew, and, along with Jack, Fred and Chris were the drivers. We had this grand plan that during the required driver changes that the drivers would help each other switch out and the other two guys would fill the gas tank and change the tires, all in five minutes – with manual tools. Well, thankfully one of the other drivers knew the owner of the other Miata team, and he had his professional crew help us, and it still to almost five minutes. We’d probably still be there changing tires if it wasn’t for them.
Years later, Jack took me here for a few “Hot Laps” in the new Mazda RX-7. Quite fun. He was great at sharing his fun with all of us, even the ones who could hardly drive.
I will always cherish these great memories.
Jack was step-father to my three children and he loved them as his own. They loved him too and will truly miss him. I’m grateful that they were able to share part of their young lives with such a nice and kind man.
Max and Jack. Love this photo. Jack got so much pleasure out of the kids. Jack was the best father anyone could hope for. The kids were so lucky to have him. We all were.
The Chang! His baby. Jack had a passion for motorcycles. Jack grew up riding dirt bikes with his friends and father. He had such fond memories of riding with his dad that he wanted to pass it on to our kids. That’s when he went ebay and Craig’s list crazy and bought a silly amount of dirt bikes. Once we had the bikes, he quickly found that it is hard finding a place to ride them. Uncle Joe and Aunt Barbara were awesome and let us ride on their farm in PA. The boys took to it fast. Stella not so much. Rose is autistic and her disability prevented her from riding. Jack so wanted to find a way for Rose to experience motorcycles too, that once again in true Jack Pitney fashion, he found a solution. The Chang. I’m sure many of you spotted Jack riding around town with one or two kids, flame helmets on, and sometimes a even a cape! That’s how he rolled.
Christmas at the Pitney house. Jack asked for golf cups, so he could build his 9 hole golf course in our back yard at the farm. Jack wanted to get better at his game and the only way to do that takes practice. Practice takes time and that was something we never had. With 5 kids going to a golf course on a Saturday for a few hours was never going to happen. So in true Pitney fashion Jack had a plan. He sunk his first cup with the help of Max the morning of the accident. It was also one of the reasons why he wanted to clear the land.
Jack arranged for us to go to Grand Central Station to see the art cars. The kids had the best time, learned so much, and of course fell in love with the cars. When the Koons car raced we watched the 24 hours of le Mans on Speed. Jack and Martin would post on Facebook and we’d get text messages updating us. Jack was so happy, even though the cars didn’t do as well as we hoped. He loved racing so much. Just being there was such a gift for him. Never did he take it for granted.
At our farm teaching Max (5 at the time) how to ride a dirt bike with training wheels! Jack knew how to motivate. The boy was riding a 2wheeler in only a matter of a few days. Max wanted to go fast. Jack said if he wanted the restrictor removed, he had to be able to take the training wheels off.
with Rose at Liberty Science Center
with Ryan and Max at the old Yankee Stadium.
Jack taking Scuba lessons with the twins.
Thank you Jack for your infectious smile and attitude. It never felt like work, when I had the opportunity to work with you. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
A great man with great passion. Will be missed.
The first day I met Jack was during an interview at BMW NA – I got the job and became Jack’s assistant for several years during the launch of MINI. Already in the interview I noticed his passion for cars. He was so enthusiastic about launching MINI in the US and he infected me immediately. I am very thankful that Jack gave me the opportunity to be a part of the MINI team during that special time and it was a pleasure working for such a positive and passionate boss. I will always remember him saying “das ist sehr komisch”, a German sentence he used to say when strange things happened. He always said that in perfect German with a bright smile on his face.
Rainer and I still cannot believe it.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife and children.
Thank you Sandra. Your comment made me smile. Jack would say that at home too. Some of the kids even picked up his German phrases. Jack always looked especially proud when our 6 year old would say it with a perfect German accent too of course.
Quincey
Jack wasn’t really my brother-in-law – he was one of my closest friends.
Our house in Vermont feels like we’ve lost a 5th family member. We’ve had more than 20 years of family get-togethers that were just as robust as many of the business experiences I’ve been reading here. Lots of laughing, joking, singing and just plain fun. Everyone here always anticipated his arrival and hated to see him leave. His sense of humor was so infectious that we found ourselves continuing to act like him long after he left.
It’s going to be hard not to have him around sharing long conversation with a beer while staring at the fire, or listen to him get all fired up about his “cup of Joe” in the morning.
One of his joke phrases from some time ago was, “Watch me, learn from me.” I hope we all have learned from Jack – that we continue to laugh a lot and celebrate life.
I love reading all of the wonderful and heartfelt comments on this site.
I have a question for his friends at BMW and Mini.
Couldn’t all of Jack’s passions and great ideas be captured in a special edition Mini?
Couldn’t the “Jack” special edition (it would have to be fast…handle like a go-cart and feature a manual transmission-I’d imagine) also feature ideas that may have never made their way from Jack’s (and his team’s)great mind and superior wit into an actual Mini model.
I’m not a car designer, just a friend and neighbor who loved Jack and Quincey and couldn’t wait for him to come by in a new and different toy (car) that he could tell me all about.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I can’t think of a better way to honor Jack than by creating a special edition car that captures the great ideas and pure driving excitement and fun that Jack’s passion drove him and his teams to create.
The “Jack” should be one-of-a kind…just like our friend himself. Special, different, better, as well as more exciting, colorful and fun than anything else any of us have ever been around.
Just like the car’s namesake, Our Friend Jack.
That’s my idea.
You guys at BMW/Mini should know how to do the rest.
Thanks for coming into our lives Jack, and making them so much better thanks to your presence.
Joe Antonacci
I’d buy it – I’ve always wanted a Mini. Great idea!
I had the privilege and fun of working with Jack during his time in Communications, MINI and BMW Marketing. There are always people that you really look forward to meeting with and Jack was one of those special people.
Regardless of the opportunity, problem or crisis of the day, I always knew that Jack would be open, positive, maintaining the twinkle in his eye and sense of humour, nd yet still be able to make the decisions that had to be made to move forward.
Jack, thanks for being a value colleague and a friend. God bless and my thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family as they mourn and celebrate Jack’s wonderful life.
The news of Jack’s passing hit me like a ton of bricks when my sister told me. Jack and I grew up around the corner from each other and were best friends in elementary school during our early years. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, children, sister Lynn and father Bill.
I spoke with Jack several years ago after his Mom had passed away. We chatted about the many happy moments we shared in our childhood, many with his Mom, who was our Den leader for Cub Scouts. I remember it like it was yesterday. First, my only memory of kindergarten was getting in trouble with Jack, which is funny, because there was never a nicer kid than Jack. We decided to stand up for ourselves and knocked over a big stack of blocks, after it had been done to us the day before. Anyway, Mrs White didn’t appreciate our actions at all and referred to us as “hooligans” before sending us to the Principal. The Principal laughed as we begged him to explaiin what that meant. I have never forgotten that word. To read the stories about Jack venturing across country on a motorcycle made me laugh. As Cub Scouts, we took a trip to a motorbike store with a track. Jack loved it and set a speed record for his age at the track. He was disappointed when another of our friends veered of the track by accident and went off a 6 ft ramp and broke his arm. Sure, he was troubled for his friend, but unlike the rest of us … he wanted another crack at the track record! Years later, perhaps foreshadowing his MG and career in cars, he took me on a Go Cart adventure. That ended with me crashing into a hedge of honeycycle bushes … which hurt a lot. I had my first sleepover at his house, accompanied by Bisquick pancakes the next morning, which Jack insisted on … I have been a Bisquick guy ever since.
Jack looks so much like his Dad did so many years ago. Jack always had a terrific sense of humor and warm smile. I am glad that remained the case throughout his life, as the images above so clearly depict. He remained adventerous throughout his life and pursued his passions, lessons I will share with my own children.
God Bless Jack.
Roger
Jack,
You challenged, you inspired, you demanded a lot, but you gave more. You left us too soon.
I will always associate Jack with my Year One of the 1, escape from the ordinary, put a grin on your face, power-packed racer.
Jack’s energy and enthusiasm will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure to meet or work with him. That kind of enthusiasm for life is something you can’t ignore and his contagious energy will carry with the many lives he touched. My prayers and thoughts are with his children and family.
I had the pleasure of working with Jack at BMW for many years. One story sticks out. As the A/P manager, it was brought to my attention that Jack had approved an expense report for one of his people that had a $600.00 cab fare!. Jack was the head of Corporate Communications at the time. I was shocked, so as I marched to his office, he noticed me and said, “What did I do wrong now!”. We both instantaneously laughed from the belly.
He proceeded to tell me the story that an employee wanted to be at the Detroit Auto Show (in January) but Jack told him he had to be back in Woodcliff Lake on Monday. As it would happen, a snow storm hit Detroit on Sunday and the airport was closed. This gentleman found a cabbie to drive him back to Woodcliff Lake. Jack applauded his employ for thinking of a way to make it home.
I will always remember the way he told the story, animated and gesturing, the entire time with enthusiasm. I left his office as if I was given a pep talk. No matter what Jack did, it was infectious.
My condolences to his family as I know he will be sorely missed by all he touched.
Great story and so Jack. He never told me about that . Thank you for posting. xo
Quincey,
You are welcome. I have not been with BMW now for 14 months but I do think of Jack and the effect he has had on my life. Good people always have an effect on us wether we realize it or not. I am a lucky one to realize the effect Jack had on me. Am I a better person for knowing Jack?. Absolutely!!!
Hope you and your family are coping at this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
I met Jack years ago when I worked at H&K on the Mazda account. We were first colleagues and then friends. In fact, we dated for a while unbeknownst to most of our colleagues. Words cannot begin to express how I feel after learning of his untimely death. I am so shocked and saddened that I cannot get it out of my mind. Jack was a wonderful person with an enthusiasm for life that I have never experienced before. He was so much fun to be around. I will never forget Jack Pitney. My heart goes out to his beautiful wife and children.
I never met anyone in such a high position who was so eager to be a significant part of developing creative concepts as Jack Pitney.
His desire to excite people about the BMW brand was contagious. Wielding a twinkling eye, broad grin and grand gestures, he pushed his team hard to go beyond the traditional, expanding the scope of creative applications
We at Ritta were inspired by his attention to the most minute details while creating an exciting ownership experience. His enthusiasm for each project – from designing a pen, to an authentic certificate of ownership, to the many issues of BMW Magazine – was extraordinary. Being involved in each process, and those unique moments from each meeting, will always make me smile.
Jack was a true leader. And his memory will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Jack had the enviable quality of brightening the world around him, through his kind actions, his warm personality, and a smile that everyone will always remember. He was truly interested in others and a very caring friend. His impressive business achievements have been much cited, but to many of us, he is famous more for his joyous personal life. My dear friend Quincey just glowed when she was around him – they were a dynamic couple from the beginning! But they were more than a couple, they made their children a key part of their marriage and were a wonderfully close family. Jack was a dedicated father, and we could see the way his children looked up to him. Jack and Quincey worked together to plan the new house: extra bedrooms to give the kids their own special spaces, painting murals for the kids, an awesome barn and backyard for loads of family adventures, doing everything to create a fun-filled loving home. Jack shared his love of vehicles with his family, spending time together riding all kinds of cool bikes, and going out for ice cream runs in his restored car. Their household brimmed with energy and it was a place we all loved to visit. Quincey and the children will carry on Jack’s legacy, and are all the stronger for having enjoyed such remarkable loving years together with Jack. We are all fortunate for having enjoyed Jack’s company and friendship over the years and will treasure our memories. I am grateful for having known Jack and for having him touched the lives of so many of my friends, since we are all the richer for the time we shared.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jack was a friend and great man. He and I had a running joke in that every thing he did and touched was golden: creator of MINI..King of Marketing and JOY …thus I always kidded him that he was like
“the prettiest girl at the dance” we recently traded emails and in typical Jack fashion left me this great last line regarding his new job…..
Thanks for the e-mail, Pete. I’m really looking forward to getting my “hands dirty”… as you say!
Onward and upward.
He will be greatly missed by all that ever had the honor to be with him.
Pete DeLongchamps
Group 1 Automotive
Thank you. xoxo Q
Our trip to Vermont.
ha…awesome
Professionally, I will miss Jack’s ready smile, his passion, excitement, and commitment to the automotive industry.
Personally, I will miss the fact that he knew the name of my 2011 BMW X5 (Bruno) and I’ll carry my carbon fiber pen with me everywhere.
My deepest condolences to Quincey and the children, and the good people at BMW.
Rebecca, are you the women who had some problems with her car and Jack helped you out. After you then sent the photo of you with the new car?
Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to Jack’s family, friends, and anyone touched by his incredible spirit. May we all carry a bit of Jack’s zest for life with us.
Jack’s energy and passion for work and life was unmatched and infectious and I had the pleasure of working for Jack for 4 Years and knowing him for 5. I have a lot of fond memories. Most of which was Jack coining the nickname “Dolce” for me. Jack would refer to me as Dolce in his gregarious voice followed by his trademark smile regardless of the venue or audience; it didn’t matter how stressful the moment, if we were in a Board meeting or just passing in the halls. That simple jester was always so genuine, it encapsulated Jack to me.
I’m upset that I’m going to miss the tribute today and wanted to send my best to Quincy and the Family.
You will truly be missed Jack…
There were many things that I loved about Jack Pitney. Three that stood out.
Smile. First. Jack Pitney smiled a lot. In fact, he smiled all the time. Good news. Not so good news. No news. With everyone he touched he gave a smile. And he got a smile back. And then the world smiled too. Loyalty. I never met a more loyal person. He stuck with you throughout it all. The wise people do not consider gold and jewels to be precious treasures, but rather loyalty and good faith. Jack was loyal and a man of pure good faith in others. Love. He loved people. He loved family. He loved is work. He loved us all. And love is the symbol of eternity. And love is what Jack was all about. His love will be felt for eternity.
I love you Jack Pitney. So much. Forever.
Roy Spence
Thanks for that posting I think you describe him perfectly.
I’ll always remember the day Jack walked into our agency with pretzels, an um-pah band, and a Bavarian flag that he draped over our CEO as he said “you’re hired!”
Jack always found time to laugh.
For me, it’s one of the things that really defined his personality. Even in traffic, where I saw him last on his CJ sidecar rig, he took a moment at a traffic light to exchange some words and a very good belly laugh.
The laugh is what I’ll always remember.
My deepest condolences to all his family and loved ones.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack thru my wife’s frienship with Quincey. Over the past many years we had been lucky enough to spend time together during many special occasions including their wedding and my 40th birthday. Although most of the time we hung out together in mostly “happy go lucky events” such as parties, dinners, wine tastings and SALSA night at some local dancing school it was recently during his visit to my office in NYC that I realized he was HAPPY in perpetuity. He took some time off from his busy schedule to drop by grab some coffee and chat about family, economy and business…During a whole conversation he had that INFECTIOUS SMILE that everyone talks about…The other detail that I remember is how HE ALWAYS seemed extremely interested in whatever topic of conversation you brought to him… HE always wanted to make you feel special, intelligent & interesting.. WHAT A GREAT GUY!!! We shared a passion for wine, in his case Cabernet and I was trying to educating him a little on Pinot Noirs, needless to say he always brought me some special bottles when he would come over including a bottle of DUNN HOWELL Mountain 2003 Cab from his recent trip to their Napa estate. That bottle of wine will remain in my cellar for a LONG LONG time as one of the many memories that my wife and myself were lucky to create around him and his family. We all miss you!!
Quincey, we are all here for you and your family.
I read a earler comment about remembering Jack’s smile and that’s certainly the first thing you see in your mind’s eye when you think about Jack. I got to know Jack during my first few years at BMW. I remember a smart man and a good manager, but I most remember someone who was always positive and whose bright smile always put a smile on your face too.
There are no words that can possibly expresss the shock, sadness and intense interior disturbance the moment we learned you were gone. Your sweet smile the softness of your eyes, the gentleness of your entire being….. there are no words………..what joy that being brought to the lives of those you encountered, particularly to those who love the ones you came to love and held so respectfully to your heart!
The love, respect and honor you so generously gave to our beautiful Quincey and her family, was an answer to prayer. No two people were more deserving of each other than you and Quincey. As Donna’s friend, there was never a sharing of a “Quincey and Jack” story that was not lovingly told and joyfully received. You made such a difference in Quincey’s life and I know she had an equally intense impact in yours.
At times likes these faith, hope and optimism seem like distant memories. We are left shaking, angry and desolate. We so fearful of glimpsing the pain of Quincey and her entire family. We are left here frozen in our inadequacy, I have absolutely no idea how all of those you’ve loved so dearly will ever get through this.
The only thread of hope that remains for me, after 64 years on this planet, is the belief that somehow, someway, and some day, we will dare to dream again.
We who love those you left behind, will continue to love them and hold them close to our hearts. We will be there for them in any way possible.
I need you to be there also, in any way possible. Please!
Our trip to
My old friend Jack. I was lucky enough to befriend Jack at John Jay Junior High School back in the ‘70’s, and I owe Jack and his family for some of my greatest memories. Even back then, Jack was the creative force in our group of friends, always coming up with new adventures and challenges for us and his mother. With a little prompting from Jack, Mrs. Pitney would launch her old Volvo station wagon over a hump in the road for the thrill of a tickle. I can only imagine what she could have done with a BMW!
If I had to come up with one memory to share, it was of a visit to the Pitney’s vacation home in Vermont when we were still too young to drive. It was a warm spring evening just before dark when we began our long walk back to the house. Jack, my brother Jeff and I were suddenly startled by a strange noise in the darkening woods just off the road from our position. That’s when the branches started swinging, followed by a loud threatening growl. In an instant, our young hearts were pounding. In fear I yelled, “Run!“, Jeff and I lurched to a high speed dash for the house. Glancing over my shoulder as I rounded the bend in the road I saw Jack, standing in the same spot with his arms extended out, either frozen with fear or the bravest person I have ever seen. Upon reaching the house, we ran right past his sister Lynn and her friend Erika who were too busy laughing to realize Jack was about to be eaten alive. In the middle of panicked, incoherent pleading to Jacks father for help, when we had our second surprise, Jack emerged from the shadows wrapped in the loving arms of his mother. That’s right, the girls got us. To this day I have never discovered the real answer, was Jack too scared to move or did he have nerves of steel. In our confusion, fear, laughter and relief that Jack was safe, it never really mattered. But we all know that Jack was the only one who stood his ground. (The two photos are of that very memorable weekend in Vermont, that’s me standing next to Jack on his 175cc Kawasaki motorcycle)
Like so many others, I have many great memories of Jack, and I have enjoyed reading of his many successes and rising career. Even though I have not seen Jack in many years, I am truly sadden. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My old friend Jack. I was lucky enough to befriend Jack at John Jay Junior High School back in the ‘70’s, and I owe Jack and his family for some of my greatest memories. Even back then, Jack was the creative force in our group of friends, always coming up with new adventures and challenges for us and his mother. With a little prompting from Jack, Mrs. Pitney would launch her old Volvo station wagon over a hump in the road for the thrill of a tickle. I can only imagine what she could have done with a BMW!
If I had to come up with one memory to share, it was of a visit to the Pitney’s vacation home in Vermont when we were still too young to drive. It was a warm spring evening just before dark when we began our long walk back to the house. Jack, my brother Jeff and I were suddenly startled by a strange noise in the darkening woods just off the road from our position. That’s when the branches started swinging, followed by a loud threatening growl. In an instant, our young hearts were pounding. In fear I yelled, “Run!“, Jeff and I lurched to a high speed dash for the house. Glancing over my shoulder as I rounded the bend in the road I saw Jack, standing in the same spot with his arms extended out, either frozen with fear or the bravest person I have ever seen. Upon reaching the house, we ran right past his sister Lynn and her friend Erika who were too busy laughing to realize Jack was about to be eaten alive. In the middle of panicked, incoherent pleading to Jacks father for help, when we had our second surprise, Jack emerged from the shadows wrapped in the loving arms of his mother. That’s right, the girls got us. To this day I have never discovered the real answer, was Jack too scared to move or did he have nerves of steel. In our confusion, fear, laughter and relief that Jack was safe, it never really mattered, but we all knew Jack was the only one who stood his ground. (The two photos are of that very memorable weekend in Vermont, that’s me standing next to Jack on his 175cc Kawasaki motorcycle)
Like so many others, I have many great memories of Jack, and I have enjoyed reading of his many successes and rising career. Even though I have not seen Jack in many years, I am truly sadden. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
When I heard the terrible news about Jack, I realized my only memories of Jack are of him smiling. I don’t think I ever saw him when he didn’t have a smile on his face.
The last time I saw him, I remember he crossed a huge reception to thank me for sending him a link to a video with him in it. He said he showed it to his kids so they understood what he did.
Again, he was smiling.
I love this picture of Jack from this year’s NY Auto Show. It’s Jack at his best – doing what he loves and flashing that smile.
Jack, I will miss you and your table slaps. You made everyone around you better and that’s a rare quality. Thank you.
Dear Jack Pitney,
You brought overwhelming joy and happiness to the lives of my dear friend Quincey and her children. When I visited New York in December 08 we met for lunch, and I was thrilled to see Quincy in such a wonderful place. She glowed while telling stories about you and the family and I looked forward to her regular postings on Facebook of your adventures together. You have had such a profound and lasting effect on their lives and your spirit will live on in them.
I am so sorry I never had the chance to meet you.
Quincey, I send you big love and warm hugs, I’m here for you in any capacity.
With deepest condolences,
Tessa Baynes
When Jack came into the office for his yearly check up, he always made us smile. His warm and genuine personality- and positive outlook gave us all a huge kick…Nurse Lynn has not one, but 2 Minis- guess who highly reccomended them?
We have known and cared for Jack for years, its hard to believe he is gone.
Our most sincere, heartfelt sympathy go out to his wife and children, and the entire BMW family who is mourning his loss.
He will be missed.
Dr. Michael Farber, Lynn,Karen, Harriet and Roseann
The first day I met Jack I knew we would be friends, What I didn’t realize a the time was how close he would become with not only me, but my brothers. In the late ’80s Jack became my boss at the PR firm that launched Infiniti. With his amazing sense of humor Jack made every day, every meeting, every lunch enjoyable! He also brought such a tremendously creative approach to everything we did and I learned so much from him. Jack would do anything — one day he walked into my office and stood on my desk; it was just his way of keeping things fun.
Jack and I spent days and weeks together at beautiful locations across the country during the launch of Infiniti and even though we were working, Jack always found a way for us to enjoy (and take advantage) of our surroundings. From there we worked together on behalf of Mazda.
During that time, Jack, my brothers and I were all single and in our 20s. Every weekend Jack, my brothers and I would be together from Friday night to Sunday night, playing beach volleyball, 2 on 2 basketball (Jack towered over us) or golf and going out to various spots in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. He became like a brother to us and my parents thought of him like a son.
He was one of a kind.
My condelences to Quincey and Jack’s family.
Jack’s white linen suit.
I’ll never forget Jack’s first few weeks on the job as the new VP of Marketing for BMW. The 3 Series was launching to all of our BMW Dealers in South Beach and not only was he now attending the meeting, he was also the key speaker. He would have to deliver the 3 Series marketing plans to an audience of 800+. All eyes would be directly on him. He arrived in Miami and realized the suit he brought for the big night would just not work. So he went out and got a suit that suited South Beach, it was an all white, linen suit. When he walked on stage his smile lit up the room (the beach actually) and he not only looked great in his white linen suit, but he also nailed his presentation.
That was five years ago, and in my last meeting with Jack, he brought up that white suit. We all had a good laugh (I think he even slapped the table) and enjoyed reminicing about that very first launch together.
He will be missed.
Ahh yes, that white linen suit. What a hoot I had arranging a Personal Shopper at the Miami Nordstrom. We arrived there and Jack took it all in stride….just laughing as outfit options were streaming into the dressing room — but that white suit was the hero. And of course we had to match it with brown shoes and belt to create the whole ensemble. Like Darcy said, it was always a story that brought a big smile and laugh to all those heard it.
Quincey,
We send you our thoughts and prayers. We first met you and Jack in China several years ago on the Center Of Excellence trip and had a wonderful time. The memories we share are the best and no one can ever take them away from us. Jack’s contagious laugh had us going nonstop. Lunch on the Great Wall Of China with the waiters holding umbrellas over our heads while Jack laughed will forever be a great memory for us. Then came the trip to Madrid. You,Jack,Sueky and I learning to drive Segways through the streets of Madrid was awesome. Jack with his hands out pretending to fly while on the Segway was classic Jack. The lunch in Plaza Mayor was a great treat as well. Of course Jack and I did manage to talk some business in between us both bragging about our kids.
Jack was a great Man with a passion for his family and friends above everything else he stood for. We will truely miss him.
God bless you and the children.
I first meet Jack more than 20 years ago, just weeks before he joined Mazda. He was a young guy then but he impressed me with his cheerful manner and great sense of humor. I developed a friendship with Jack during his years at Mazda PR and will always be grateful for the support he and Steve Potter gave me during the years I raced the RX7 for Mazda.
One day while testing the racecar at Sears Point Jack persuaded me to let him drive a few laps. He reassured me he was up to the job and I had nothing to worry about. Well Jack spun off the track and into the tire wall on the second turn. He jumped out of the car with his trademark smile and reassured me that all was well and that this was just a momentary lapse in his talent that would not happen again.
I have always felt proud to know Jack Pitney and impressed with his climb to the top of the automotive world. I have not seen Jack in several years and now I deeply regret that.
I offer my condolences to his wife and family.
Peter Farrell
I had the pleasure of working with Jack for the last 4 years. I admired his love for his family, for BMW and for life in general. He pursued his passions without fear. He did his best to see the joy in things and treat people with respect. Many of the posts talk about how Jack made time to say hello and genuinely catch up. I was impressed how he always found the time to talk with me, and now I’m even more amazed when I read how he found time to do that with everyone he encountered. His smile was infectious and he found unique ways to bring out the best in a person. I’ll forever be changed by the time I spent with Jack. My prayers go out to his family.
CP
I worked in the corporate communications department at BMW in 1997 as an onsite contractor when Jack was head of the department, and have worked with BMW since then. He was passionate about his work and cared about the people that worked with him. We have talked numerous times over the years, usually at an auto show, and Jack always offered a friendly smile and a warm hello.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He left you a great legacy to cherish.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr.Jack Pitney.
Jack’s infectious smile and warm personality made him one of those special people that it was truly a joy to see each day.
Words do an injustice in explaining how much Jack will be missed. He will remain very much alive in our memories and admiration.
I have known Jack for over 35 years. Back in his pre-beard days, Jack was one part of the three musketeers of John Jay High School. The other two were my brother, Carl, and Mike Carminucci. I was not part of most of the trouble they got into in because they were four years older than me – an eternity in high school. I heard the stories though – from bumper boats on the lake to driving MY go-kart into the ground until it actually caught fire in Jack’s driveway which one of them unsuccessfully tried to extinguish with a garden hose! Obviously, that was before Jack was the car expert he’s known for now! Jack became family, not only for Carl and Mike, but also for myself, my sister Karin, my mother and my wife. Since the 1980’s Jack has shared his life with us. He will be missed
Learning to ride!!!
Jack at my grandmother’s birthday party. He affectionately called her Mormor
Jack escorted my sister Karin as a groomsman at Carl’s wedding
Jack and Carl’s High School graduation
My mom, Lynne, and her three oldest “sons” at my wedding
All of us at Jack and Quincy’s wedding
John, Carl and I were given the unofficial BMW motorcycle tour, trading off on the different bikes with Jack leading the pack. It was a memorable day cruising the backroads of New Jersey and sharing stories at lunch. Jack was an experienced street bike rider. After finally catching up to our leader at a cross-roads, I had to ask, “are we late for something?”
Jack was a caring fun-loving man with constant smile and infectious laugh. He touched the lives of so many people in his 47 years. Unfortunately 47 years is way too short a time for one of the good guys. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Dear Quincey and family,
The news of Jack’s passing is so sad. Knowing that his inspiration will live on is so great.
Jack achieved that incredible combination of a great business mind with an inspiring creative spirit. He was a true pioneer.
I first met Jack in 2001 as we all prepared to launch MINI around the world – Jack into the US, I for Australia. We knew we were working on something special. As a young manager, I was inspired and encouraged by Jack to be true to my beliefs and take on the challenge as pioneer. We also shared some fantastic laughs! In 2008, Jack was instrumental in my switch to work for BMW in the US, for which I’ll be forever grateful. We worked together again and, again, his passion for pioneering inspired me.
Sometimes the journey as a pioneer seemed uncertain. Jack knew intuitively when it was the right way to go and his smile was all the clarity needed to confirm it!
My thoughts are with you during this time. Jack’s inspiration has spred to Australia and I’ll be sure it lives on.
Shawn Ticehurst
Melbourne, Australia
I have had the pleasure of Jack’s company on many happy occasions and each time, I learned something new, my enthusiasm for our Brands was renewed and he always made laugh.
I always looked forward to the next oppurtunity to be in jack’s good company and I will miss him.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his Family and his closest colleague’s.
Charles Napolitano
Dealer Operator
MINI of Farifield County and BMW of Darien
I met Jack when I was in college – his sister Lynn was a good friend. The summer between junior and senior year, Lynn and I got jobs in Colorado. We bought a car, which needed some body work. Jack and a friend fixed it up for us and left a photo of the two of them in the dashboard. Not on the dashboard, inside. We drove to Colorado with Jack smiling out at us the whole way. That is how I will remember him. Mischievous and smiling.
My heart goes out to his family and to Lynn and their father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia
Quincey,
Our lives have crossed so many times…From meeting you when I was 13…to you living with my sister in college…to my college roommate becoming your step-sister…to Jack hosting that amazing event at Grand Central. His team loved him and he will be missed.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
All my love,
-Karen
I have so many fond memories of Jack from my time working at Ideacity…where to start? When the BMW account was won I was the account coordinator working on the business and was in awe of BMW and and all its grandeur. I remember going out to our first celebration dinner, I drove Jack in my car (an old, blue Volvo) and was nervous about him riding in it because it was not a shiny new BMW. He was very kind and funny, and I immediately felt at ease in his presence. Jack was also such an innovative and intelligent leader, and I have always carried the things I learned during my time working with him throughout my career. Best wishes to Jack’s loved ones and family…he will be missed!
I am so sorry I never got to meet him. His smile says it all. My heart goes out to his wife and children. What a smile. My condolences to his family.
I’ve run into Jack a number of times in my career as an autowriter. Unlike so many execs at other car companys, who can only be described as “haughty,” Jack was always warm, friendly, and personable. RIP Jack.
Quincey,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never met Jack, but I am sure he was a wonderful man. Take care.
Sincerely,
Tim Dalton III
I met Jack a couple of times during my tenure as president of DesignworksUSA. He had been a great supporter of Designworks and tried to find ways to make BMW USA events accessible also for Designworkers. I had the honor with a colleague of mine to join him and his wife at Vanity fair party last year. His marketing approach and strategies definitely have succeeded to make the brand BMW more touchable and accessible thoughout the United States. Unusual concepts and innovative ideas are his marks. I always experienced him with a smile and very positive attitude even when I met him the last time this February at a car design presentation in Munich outside in the coldest winter with a meter high snow…. and he had forgotten his winter coat and winter shoes just covered with a blanket over his suit. And even then he was smiling. He is a tremendous loss for everybody but most for his wife and children. My very best wishes and thoughts go them! And my honest hope that they stay strong in this despair. Verena
Jack and I were second cousins – his mom, Betty Lou, and my Dad were first cousins. We have not been in touch as adults, but always saw each other at family gatherings when we were younger. I stayed in touch with his wonderful sister Lynn a little bit longer, and I have fine memories of visiting them in Vermont and climbing up a mountain!
I too, lost my brother in a tragic accident at age 30; I understand the shock and grief of such a sudden loss of one so young and vital. It sounds like he had a wonderful, treasured family life, an incredibly successful career and bright future ahead of him, and that he was someone who knew how to live life to the fullest and enjoy the precious moments.
My heart and prayers are with his family and friends not only today, but in the days to come, as you journey along the rocky road of grief. As cliche as it may sound, he will truly live on in the hearts of those who loved him. And I have no doubt that the world is a better place because he was in it.
Sincerely,
Betsy Rodman
Jack was a extraordinary man that will always be remember. He made a different in this world which is why he was greatly admired and loved by everyone he touched.
Jack walked into every meeting with a big smile on his face. Every time. He had such amazing enthusiasm, and it always fueled ours – especially when our work was great enough to earn one of his famed table slaps. That was the goal walking in: how many table slaps could we get today?
Incredibly smart and genuinely nice. Jack was one of the greatest clients I’ve had the opportunity to work with. He will be missed.
To the family of Jack. I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a person who made you always feel warm and welcome. A good man and a great leader. May his children always know he loved them. He told me at a dinner in Lisbon how much his family meant to him. Our conversation was about family and how he loved them…He will be missed…
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Kevin Gaither and Team
Stevens Creek BMW
Dear Quincey,
You have been in our thoughts everyday, since we heard the news about Jack. He was always so happy when he was with you! Everyone could see that you both loved each other so much!
We really enjoyed the time in China that we were able to share with you.
It was great to see you both at the White House Correspondence Dinner this past May! I saw Jack after that and he was so happy that you were able to see KC and Sunshine Band!
I cannot imagine what you are going through right now.
I am so sorry for your loss and cannot find the words to say to make you feel better. I know Jack was a happier person becasue of YOU! I hope that brings you some comfort. Our prayers our with you and your family.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Ki and George
From:
Date: March 7, 2007 11:54:58 AM EST
To:
Subject: This is me e-mailing you…
…for seemingly no apparent reason. Not in response to anything, either positive or negative.
Just reaching out to say hello.
How nice!
Jack Pitney
BMW of North America
I was so saddened and shocked to hear the news about Jack. I came across the obituary in the Boston Globe and hoped against reason that it was some other Jack Pitney. Jack’s loving sister, Lynn, was my college roommate and we also roomed together after college in Boston for a few years. Of course, I remember Jack as her kid brother and was warmed to see and read about his later very successful career.
The Pitney’s are a wonderful, warm. loving family who always welcomed me with open arms. I remember Jack as a smart kind outgoing kid.
My sincere condolences to my good friend Lynn, to her father William and to Jack’s family and friends. May Jack rest in peace.
Daryl
I was just stunned by the news…and greatly saddened.
Jack’s career was truly meteoric and for his life to end so soon, just when his family, his accomplishments and his future, were so beautifully aligned, is heartbreaking.
My lasting impression of Jack will always be his upbeat, enthusiastic nature. No matter what the occasion, there was a smile about to explode.
He could do corporate with the best of them, but he thought waaaay out of the box.
Jack’s creativity and leadership helped make MINI an unprecedented success. That may be the way he’s best remembered in the BMW panoply.
Our auto world has lost a true star. My condolences to his family.
At the MINI Plant in Oxford
Listening to Michael Cooper
I have to say that it is hard to put in words what a great colleague and friend Jack was. He had a unique ability to lead while listening and forming consensus. At the same time whenever I was around him, everyone was having a good time (even if the discussion would get a bit heated).
A group of us from Orlando MINI (formerly Downtown MINI) had the privilege to travel with Jack to England and visit the MINI plant in Oxford and John Cooper Works. We also spent some time having fun in London.
Jack had as much fun as we did and he was really in his element when the group spent the day with Michael Cooper. Michael was very kind with his time and Jack was like a kid in a candy store. I have included some pictures from that trip.
My prayers are with his family.
I had the chance to work with Jack for a few years during the launch of MINI. He inspired me in many ways and I always admired him for spirit and his courage. He will be missed greatly.
While I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Jack on the regional side of BMW advertising, truth be told, my direct experiences with him were made up only of moments. But it’s these moments that stick with me through the years as they were just as impactful to me then as they are now.
The first of these moments was when he came to visit our agency in his first year on the BMW marketing job. He had a legacy of success behind him and you could tell he was gearing up to outdo his own high benchmark. I remember thinking to myself at the time, as we all discussed the nature of BMW marketing, that this is the kind of guy I’d like to get behind. The years passed and many other moments with it. But I’d have to say that my favorite one was him passing me in the halls of Woodcliff Lake one day congratulating me, and the agency, on a recent assignment we did that impressed him. He was clearly on his way to some big meeting, but nevertheless, he wanted to make sure he told me how happy he was with our work. What a terrific moment.
I , and I’m sure many others, didn’t have to know Jack since childhood or work with him everyday to know that he was a good guy. In the moments that I knew him, it was obvious that he was not only a great leader who knew how to lead people, but also a warm soul who knew how to inspire them as well. So I can only imagine the millions of wonderful moments others have shared with him and how this has affected them and their lives. Especially his family to whom my deepest sympathies go out to.
Thanks for the moments, Jack.
I am in shock of the news of Jack’s passing. My family and his family grew up around the corner from each other. His loving sister was/is a good friend. The pictures of Jack all grown up as a man, I can see the little boy who played with my brother. I see the grin and laughter and mischievousness. As I read all the tributes, it is his smile and warmth and family values that are most impressive and common to all who knew him. Even 45 years ago that smile was there. I see his dad in him. His dad is/was a family man to be admired. He and his sister had a close and loving relationship. Always a sense of humor and laughter in the household. My mom and his mom were cub scout mothers together. I always loved going to their house to play. It was comfortable and loving. I remember everything about the layout of the house and their dog, the fish tank, the lake and swimming. Unfortunately, it’s been years since seeing Jack but he grew up into a fine man, father and person. My heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for the loss and the hole they will feel in their lives. I know they love him dearly. My deepest regards and highest admiration.
I’ve known Jack Pitney for 25 years. But unlike many old friends, we didn’t drift apart, we drifted together. From our first meeting we became fast friends. We liked the same music, the same food and drink, both loved to ski and play cards, and we did most of these things together as often as we could. He was smart, funny and most of all generous. Except when it came to cards, he always beat me badly, and held me to my losses. He would help me with anything, and was irrepressible when it came to ‘guy projects’ – like building a platform bed that was so big, we couldn’t fit through his bedroom door. He was also my first true mentor. In some ways, I can thank him for my career. He guided me towards advertising…he helped draft my first resume. And he would often quiz me on whether I arrived early, worked through lunch and always check in with my boss before I went home (but preferably leave after my boss went home). He wanted me to succeed, but he would insist I did all the work myself – otherwise I wouldn’t learn.
As time went by, he moved to the west coast as his career gained momentum, and I moved on to Boston. But we always stayed close, talking on the phone about the last concert we saw, what car he was driving, what girls we were dating. Years later, we both ended up in NJ. He had achieved great success in his career, and I was still in advertising…but he hadn’t changed a bit. Still fast with a laugh and back slap, and more enthusiasm than most children. But then something rare and amazing happened. We got the chance to work together. Not as co-workers, but a client and agency person. Again, he never changed. He drove me hard and never cut me a break. He even told me that he had to be tougher on me, because we were friends. That was Jack’s way. I would have to succeed on my own if I were to truly succeed. But I also had no greater supporter. And if I did my part, he would be the first in line to congratulate me (again with the backslap), and oh that laugh and grin. As a client, he was also irrepressible. There was no more passionate a man in his business. His energy, thought process and drive for greatness were boundless. As was his generosity. He wanted his team to succeed and would not let them fail themselves. Certainly not if he had anything to do with it.
Over the past few years, the auto business was difficult, and he was often forced to make hard decisions that I know weighed on him heavily. But during that time, his new wife and expanded family brought so much joy to his life. He became truly happy again, and as happy as I’d ever seen him. Because above all, Jack was a family man and father. Family came first…well before his passions. When he spoke of his children, even about good things, even happy things – sometime his eyes would well-up with tears. He just loved them so very much. Always family. Always first.
So when I got the news of his passing, a distant memory came back to me. And at first I couldn’t understand why of all things this particular memory: When I graduated from college, Jack and I planned a motorcycle trip across the country. And it was because I got a job and was forced to start immediately, that I had to back out of the trip and start work. But because this was a dream we shared for over a year, Jack told me that he was going on the cross-country trip alone. And when he got to Lincoln Nebraska he called me and said that I should have declined the job offer and joined him. He was having the time of his life. That was the way Jack lived. He followed his dreams and passions with every ounce of his being. There was no middle ground.
He once told me that life is not defined by the number of days you live, but by the number of days you remember.
Thank you Jack for giving us so much to remember.
My prayers are with Quincey and to Jack’s family. For the short time I knew him, Jack brought great joy to those around him. I will truly miss him. God bless.
In my current role with Grey I didn’t deal with Jack, but I had always wanted to meet him and possibly talk “shop”. I had my one and only opportunity to meet him at a Southern Region Dealer meeting this past April. He gave me warm welcome and we chatted a bit. So glad i did. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
God Bless.
I was good friends with Jack back in High School and up until he went away to college. I remember when he told me he was going for a Political Science degree and I said “what kind of career can you get with that” ! Ha – he sure showed me. I lost touch with him over the years, but he was a great friend back then … always had a smile and was just a nice nice person. I assisted him in a small way while he installed a radio in his MGBGT and patched a small rust spot with Bondo. Even then, I knew he was seriously into cars, so he must’ve been elated to eventually work in the industry.
When he used to come over to my house to hang out, he would pull his MGBGT into our garage — in my dad’s parking spot — and hit the air-horns he had installed. It was LOUD and it always annoyed my parents, but I thought it was funny. So did he ! Anyway, he was a great great friend back then, and I’m sad that we drifted apart while we went our own way during college. He will be sadly missed.
I attached a wrong image
I am saddened by the news of jack’s passing. I will miss his distinctive laughs………………..
By the way, the next time you are in a fine wine shop, think of Jack and buy a bottle of Altamura Cab or Zin (2005 if they have it). He LOVED it. I know because we would usually deplete inventory at The Rattlesnake Club during the Detroit Motor Show each year. Fun times.
Although I knew Jack only in a professional context, like so many of the people at BMW he became more like a friend thanks to his warm, easygoing character. It was always a pleasure to run into Jack at a car show or event, and I know I’ll miss his smile when he’s not there for the next one. Still, I’ll treasure the memory of our conversations through the years, from our first encounters during his tenure as Corporate Communications director to our last at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.
I’ll always be especially grateful to Jack for giving me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received: “Never buy a house where you don’t want to live!” As I recall, he’d learned this one the hard way after buying a condo in Southern California that proved hard to unload. Though I didn’t follow his advice at the time, I really should have, and I hear Jack saying it every time the crazy urge to buy some weird piece of property passes through my mind. (No, Jack, you’re right. I really don’t want to live in Terlingua, Texas…)
I know it sounds banal, but thanks for that, Jack, along with all the smiles and laughter over the years. You’ll be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go out to your wife and children on this very sad—and far too soon—occasion.
My first impression of Jack was a lasting one. We met at a media association driving event at Sears Point Raceway when he was with Mazda. Over lunch a group of journalists and public relations people were exchanging impressions of the cars they had driven during the morning. Jack’s comments were a blend of emotion from an unabashed car enthusiast and objectivity from someone who understood the business. That first impression was only magnified when he joined BMW.
I enjoyed working with Jack and the MINI team to start the MINI Dealer Council. Prior to the first sale, the dealers reacted very constructively to the invitation to help develop fresh business approaches that worked well for both wholesale and retail. A spirit of serious informality prevailed as the business was launched, adjustments made and success achieved.
From his first speech as VP Marketing at the 3 Series introduction in Miami Beach, Jack reminded everyone that it all starts with great products. With an eye always on products, he successfully took on some big challenges – selecting a new agency, guiding its ramp-up, greater internationalization of marketing, the BMW Championship, reinvigorating a motorsport program and the difficult market conditions – with the emotion of an enthusiast and the objectivity of a business person.
The BMW and MINI brands, the dealer organization and the company will continue to benefit from Jack’s contributions.
Tom McGurn
BMW NA (Ret.)
Having been retired from BMWHQ since 2004 and never having the opportunity to work directly with him, my recollections of Jack were when ever we would pass each other in the halls Jack always had a smile,
he always made eye contact and he always greeted you as though you were a friend and not just a colleague.
My condolences to his wife and children.
God bless you Jack.
Jack was a car guy, a company man, but above all else, a family man. He had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest in every respect. I had the pleasure of assisting Jack when he joined BMW NA Marketing until I retired in 2008. Initially, I was impressed with his ability to deal with people of all levels treating everyone with the utmost respect and kindness. I was also impressed with the level of trust he imparted even before it was earned. Never a harsh word, never in a bad mood, he was genuine and what you saw what you got. He truly was an asset to BMW of North America in so many ways. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for Jack’s family and friends. You will be sorely missed, Boss, for a long, long time.
I had the absolute pleasure of working hand-n-hand with Jack during the pre-launch and launch of the MINI brand in the US market. I’ll never forget the first time I showed Jack a few of the first ‘ads’ for MINI. I was a nervous wreck. Not only were we picking a friendly little fight with SUV’s (billboard headline read; The SUV Backlash Officially Starts Now)…but, gasp!…there wasn’t a picture of the car. Just a website address. Whew! Jack gave me that fantastic trademark smile and said he loved it. I knew right then and there it would be a fruitful journey together. And it was for 5 of the most memorable and influential years of my career. Jack truly was amazing leader. I’m so lucky. As a pre-launch gift to me Jack framed this picture of Orville Wright on his first flight with the headline “Orville Wright did not have his pilot’s license”. I had my marching orders. This picture of Orville Wright has since followed me to every office I have had since I left MINI. A daily inspiration and now a fond memory of a special man. Thanks Jack.
Rich and I first met Jack at a reception for the new MINI at the MOMA in NY and offered our assistance via the local Mini Club in NJ. It was the beginning of a long and terrific relationship. Jack was a wonderful, warm person and, from the moment you met him, you knew he was genuine. He had such enthusiasm for life. He was a true gem and an unusual find in today’s coporate world. We have lost a wonderful person. Rest in peace dear friend. We will miss you always.
Jack was never afraid to fail. Blessed with a contagious enthusiasm, Jack was bold yet warm and genuine. His passion and dedication were unmistakable. But, he was never above listening to constructive criticism or different ideas. Mr. Jack Pintney was truly unique and will definitely be missed.
I had the pleasure of working with Jack Pitney for the past five years while he ran marketing for BMW North America. I am teribly proud of the small contribution I made helping him to continue to build such a powerful brand. But the greater pleasure was our friendship.
I respected Jack for his success and his saavy but I more respected him as a person for his love and dedication to family. While at times I hated his absence when I needed a critical approval on something, I always admired his commitment to his time with his wife and children. If he was to be with them, he told you when and was out the door – no questions. He was a role model in that way – a commanding executive who got his greatest joy from his family and put it above all else.
He did things I envied – worked on his own farm, stripped and refinished his basement, restored bikes and cars with his bare hands. I used to measure my success by his reactions – a nod, a wide smile, and the ultimate – the table slap. It was then and only then I knew I was on to something…
The last time I saw Jack, just last week, we made plans for lunch. I regret not getting one more chance to chat with him but hope he is somewhere slapping tables and enjoying the world as only he did.
We’ll miss you, Jack.
I did not know Jack but know his sister Lynn. She is a real family person and treasures her time with her family and extended family. He will be so sorely missed by her, her husband and Jack’s niece and nephew. His friends and family are in our hearts and prayers.
At BMW and MINI of Manhattan we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jack Pitney and feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with him through out the years. Jack was a genuinely nice person with an infectious smile that put everyone around him at ease. He was a true collaborator who was always open to different opinions and points of view. His passion, integrity and professionalism made him a great asset to the BMW and MINI brands.
We would like to express our condolences to Jacks family and friends. His passing is a tremendous loss for the BMW and MINI family, the auto industry and all that have known him. We are confident Jack’s legacy in the BMW and MINI community shall live on for years to come.
Jack was an great friend to the agency and to the people who knew him.
He was that great client who was always pushing for big ideas, he never wanted to settle. Jack looked for ideas that made an impact, ideas that might influence and change behavior. We were fortunate to have Jack as our client for the last 5 years. I appreciated his passion, his enthusiasm and commitment to what he loved.
He was one of those people who always made you feel welcome and that he was always genuinely glad to see you. Meetings with Jack were different, he would invite us down to his office as opposed to the conference room saying “it’s more comfortable and we can listen to some Jazz while we catch-up”. And there was that crazy coffee stein he had….Jack was one of the good guys.
We will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I would like to express my deepest heartful sympathy for the loss of such a genuine and positive person. Jack’s creativity, energy and eternal smile will live on in my memory. From the Center of Excellence trips to new product launches, his partnership and influence has contributed to our enjoyment and continued success. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Pitney family, now and for the future.
I opened the paper Saturday morning and froze. How could this be. I feel blessed to have known Jack just a little. From his beer can story on the MINI tail pipe to being invited to have lunch in the BMW Board Room in NJ with Mr. Purves, Jack and Jean Jennings….the stories and smiles will live forever. God bless…
A genuinely warm individual. My heart goes out to his family and all who loved him. Shine on Jack. See you on the flip side.
We were a young and growing ad agency that Jack hired for the newly created Mini division. From day one Jack advanced the cause of Mini being different and was a fearless and fun client to work along side. Late nights and long meetings of reviewing materials would inevitably be punctuated by critical thinking that always made the work better andlots of laughter. The work we did together, the ground that was broken for the auto marketing industry and the amazing success of Mini all followed and lives on as an amazing testament to Jack. Our last conversation was in the spring and ironically he talked the whole time about how much he was enjoying his time at the farm. From family to dirt biking and all in between it seemed as though he was at peace. A good memory I’ll charish.
Jeff Hicks
Crispin Porter + Bogusky
My last conversation with Jack was on the telephone. He was on a motorcycle ride with the press and I got a phone call saying they were thinking of me and wondering if I got to ride everyday now that I’m retired. Sadly, that is not the case, but that phone call will always be remembered fondly as I reflect on Jack’s life. A journey through my photo library uncovered numerous photos of Jack with one common element—he was always smiling! And not just smiling, but grinning like the Cheshire cat! That is reflected in all the photos on this site too. Jack taught me about creativity, risk taking and working across department lines. No task seemed too big for Jack, whether it involved turning corporate thinking upside down or rolling up his sleeves and gutting a house to remodel it. I observed both of those with awe! Godspeed, Jack. Your memory will continue to inspire those whom you have touched.
I had the pleasure of being Jack’s boss — though, knowing Jack, he might prefer the term “colleague” — when he was just a kid starting out at Hill & Knowlton working on the Mazda account. Jack was a dynamo right from the start. He was bright, creative, argumentative – and that was a good thing because better ideas often were the result of him pressing a point — and he was just plain fun to work with. Always a smile, always a joke, always willing to jump in and get the job done. Jack moved over to the client side, working at Mazda, and that only strengthened our working relationship with him and Mazda. Jack’s passing has put the H&K gang back in touch with each other, all of whom, in their own way are remembering the good times we had with a great guy. We mourn his loss. His family and children are in our hearts and prayers.
Ron Hartwig
I will always remember the faith Jack had in me to run BMW Performance Center. He was always a true motivator, not only for his colleagues and staff at BMW, but his family as well. He enjoyed coming to Greenville to see the ‘gem’ that he was so proud of. I’ll never forget our discussions for the future and his endless ideas. Compliments like, “Dan, I know that you might be too close to the work to see this but what you have here is ‘bottled magic’ “, will stay with me forever. No doubt about it, he made a lasting impression. A good one at that. His enthusiasm, candor, and all-around good nature will be truly missed.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy at the death of Jack Pitney. The news of Jack’s death has come as a great shock, it has happened all so quickly. Jack was one the hardest workers I had ever met, and it was this work ethic that led to his success in his business life. I do remember him though as much more than a businessman. A man who I held in the greatest respect. A finer gentleman you could not hope to meet, and he would treat everyone as an equal. His passing is a huge loss to his wife, children, family, friends and everyone who knew him, and the only comfort that I am able to provide is that he enriched so many people’s lives that he will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Pitney Family.
That smile, o that smile. It will not be forgotten.
I worked in Marketing and my desk was just outside Jack’s office. He came in every morning with a bright smile and a cheerful hello. His enthusiasm was contagious. He was a pleasure to work with. He took the time to know the people who worked with him. He was a gentleman and I am honored that I had the chance to know him and be a part of his team. His love and pride for his family was always evident and as much as he was focused at work, we knew where his heart really was. Please draw comfort from knowing how much you meant to him.
In July last year I hugged Jack on the street in Soho just outside of Jeff Koons’ studio. Earlier that year in Berlin, Jeff had expressed interest in creating the 17th BMW Art Car. Jack was absolutely enthusiastic about the project and it felt so good to have someone so relaxed and passionate about things amidst so many people who are held back by doubts and insecurities. So the two of us went to Jeff’s studio for our first visit to make a deal with him. When the artist said – due also to Jack’s approach and enthusiastically persuasive talk – that he would create an Art Car for a honorarium of only two cars from us (as opposed to the 20 million $ his sculptures sell for on the market), we knew we could pull this off. We left with a poker face and broke into beaming laughter on the street. This was when I said I needed a hug to channel all that positive energy and we both had big smiles on our faces! Every time I saw Jack from afar, walking through a room at headquarters here in Munich or in the US, he never failed to make me happy. In 2007 we pulled off the world premiere of Olafur Eliasson’s Art Car at the San Francisco Museum of Art and he took his time to see and take in the retrospective, always interested, always eager to take in life! He was so exceptional in the workplace! Eager, committed yet easy-going. Someone you could trust blind. Someone you could imagine hiking through the woods with and having a good time all throughout! He knew what he wanted always and expected a lot. He had the magic that made him click with people from many areas. We were joking and laughing a lot – and I always felt it is so great to have someone who is the father of four, a committed dad, someone who because he is a dad, sees things a little more relaxed and stays young at heart! We last saw each other in Le Mans this year, enjoying a beer after a busy day at the racetrack. I wish the very best for his family; I will pray for him and them, and will keep the memory of Jack alive and kicking within my heart!
I only met once Jack during an Automotive News World Congress dinner this past January (2010). He was at my table with David Duncan from MINI. I was pretty excited to ask him some questions about BMW as the Z3 is my all-time favorite car. Jack’s smile was contagious and you could tell he had been having a good press week from the auto show in Detroit. I laugh looking back at a very stupid question I asked Jack during dinner. Since the MINI Beachcomber concept vehicle had just been revealed, I had a lapse of judgement and asked Jack, “So, how many MINI Beachcombers will you sell?” He chuckled and said, “Well, it doesn’t even have doors on it yet, so that’ll be a challenge.” As if Homer Simpson occupied my head, a big “DOH!” went off in my mind. I enjoyed the rest of dinner with him. I am so very sorry to hear of his loss as I read about what happened. Sincere and precious condolences to his family.
When I moved to LA in the late 80s to work with Jack, he was living in a house in Santa Monica the size of a postage stamp. Jack was my friend from the moment I first met him. He was responsible for finding the apartment I’d rent for years. He showed me where to shop for groceries on those days barely covered by the last paycheck, and helped me appreciate lingering over a round meal at Norm’s. My wacky, cowboy-booted hair stylist/aspiring actress actually practiced on him first, and he was the one who taught me that when I was in doubt about anything, Def Leppard’s “Photograph” needed to be played loudly. Just recently, I’d sent him a note about a picture he’d posted on FB of himself and Quincey in an uber-luxury hotel, saying something about what a bigwig he’d become. “That’s just the way I roll, JB,” he quipped. He was still Jack, and I will always smile when I think of him.
I knew Jack for more than 20 years going back to his early PR days on the West Coast and he was always smiling with a sincere interest in my welfare. If I ran into him at an auto show or in the lobby of BMW headquarters he would stop and we would have a good conversation. His transition from corporate communications to senior executive at BMW first shocked many of us Motor Press Guild members but then we realized that Jack had really become the poster boy of making it in the automotive industry. He proved that someone from the media/PR side of the business could rise to the top with persistence and determination. His latest appointment to VP Eastern Region was an even greater indication that he was being groomed for the top job. It is so sad that his life ended before realizing his dream and the dream that so many of us were cheering him on to achieve. Every time I see a MINI I think of Jack’s effort to launch the vehicle in the U.S. He will be missed for his fun-loving and caring personality and being a great guy. My heartfelt condolences go to his family.
I met Jack a few times professionally. He had no reason to want to help me along, but he did. He was very understanding, helpful and made me feel very welcome. My thoughts go out to his large circle of family and friends.
My fondest memories of Jack will always be him slapping the desk with his fist when he liked an idea. Pure, unbridled enthusiasm that inspired everyone around him. A rare and contagious energy…
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
The news of Jack’s passing reached me last Thursday via multiple e-mails from people at BMW NA and the shock still hasn’t worn off.
I first met Jack when he joined BMW NA from Mazda, watched as he rose at BMW NA, and wasn’t surprised that the company chose him to head up the launch of MINI in the U.S. His personality and way of approaching things was just perfect for that task.
Even though I only saw Jack in person a few times a year, he always had a smile and a few interesting and relevant stories that built on prior conversations.
My deepest sympathy to his family and colleagues on their loss. It was our loss as well.
My heart breaks for all the people who loved Jack and are suffering his loss far too soon. Jack brightened the auto industry and we will all miss him.
The world will miss this ray of sunshine. As will be said many times, Jack was always smiling and I am sure continues to smile down on us.
Following the hurt may his family find comfort in the great number of friends Jack made and the warmth he shared with us. I count myself one of the luck ones who can say Jack was a friend. Travel brightly my friend.
My connections to Jack Pitney were only professional, and few at that, yet I admired his accomplishments and ability to see what worked, and what didn’t work. My condolences to his family and friends.
Prayers to his family. Wonderful man.
Jack was a fun person to be around. He had a laugh that was infectious, and you couldn’t help but join in that laughter. More importantly, he was a devoted husband and loving father who sacrificed whatever necessary for his children. We used to laugh about Jack’s email address – it just had such a silly air about it – but the truth is, it rings so true now – Ridgewood – and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you – will never be the same.
You will be missed! All-round great guy.
I second that.
Very simply, every time I met Jack over the decades–H&K, Mazda, Mini, BMW–he was always smiling…and it was a pleasure to see him. One of the good guys…
My prayers go out to his family.