"Jack was a tremedous guy I have to smile when I think of him.. We shared a lot of laughs together. Every time we saw each other we would retell all of our adventures in the carpet manufacturing business.. He'll be missed by all of us. RIP Jack."
In loving memory of
Jack Leonard Mishkin
May 9, 2014
Mishkin, Jack Leonard
Jack Leonard Mishkin was born January 25, 1947 to Esther and Ralph Mishkin in Washington, D.C. Like many families in the Post-War Era, they planned to build a new life for themselves in California. Jack was raised in Cheviot Hills, not coincidentally next to Rancho Park Golf Course. From an early age, he climbed the fence during the old L.A. Open and watched the pros. As a young golfer he had a three handicap. He graduated from Hamilton High School and then went off to Valley State (now CSUN) where he met the love of his life Nancy Goldberg. After graduation Jack joined his father's carpet mill, Hollytex, and so began his life's work in floor covering. Jack and Nancy married in 1971 and soon after established themselves in Tarzana.
He co-founded Bentley Carpet Mills in 1979. Jack became a master of product development, understanding as few at the time could, the creative possibilities of commercial, broadloom carpet. His design standard was always industry leading and his reputation for honesty and integrity was well-known. Bentley actively sought international trade opportunities. Jack led trade missions around Europe and was one of the first entrepreneurs to go to South Korea and China. After he sold Bentley Mills, Jack invested in Monterrey Carpets, where he brought his sprit of collaboration to a new team. When Monterrey was sold, he took a giant leap into residential carpets by founding JMish and building his new brand in Cartersville, Georgia. Jack was also a philanthropist, who became a Music Center Founder as well as a major supporter of Beit T'Shuvah and The Tower Cancer Research Foundation, where he served on the board.
He was equally dedicated to his family whom he cherished. Jack and Nancy raised their children, Mark and Lauren, to love the arts, respect their faith, and take care of their family and friends. As busy as Jack was, he never missed an opportunity to share a moment with one of his kids- whether it was an early morning conversation with Mark while he was shaving or a weekend drive with Lauren to chill out. They took annual trips to Lake Tahoe through most of the 80's where they formed life long memories fighting in the car, riding stubborn horses, or gambling at the Hyatt Incline Village. Jack's love of adventure later took them to Europe, Hawaii, Israel, and Africa.
Jack loved golf but he loved his golf buddies more. He always cherished his time at El Cab, a club his father helped to found, and his camaraderie was sought after. After Jack and Nancy moved to the Westside, they joined Hillcrest where they made cherished friends and brought their love of life with them. Jack always followed the PGA Tour and spent many a weekend watching tournaments and cheering on his favorites.
When cancer struck in late 2012 he refused to let it win. He fought fiercely and refused to concede his role as provider and protector. Jack is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Mark and Lauren; and his grandchildren Sam, Mia, Lillian, Jonah, and Eleanor; his stepmother, Chase Mishkin; his sister, Barbara Salins; and his brother, Steve Mishkin. Donations may be made to Tower Cancer Research , The Jack Mishkin Fund.
Services Monday May 12, 2014 at 10:00AM Courts of TaNaCH Chapel ~Hollywood Hills
Tributes
"Jack was cut from a very unique cloth! He was at once big hearted; a creative man; and a shrewd businessman. May his memory be eternal!"
"What a loss. A true family man in every sense of the word. An original. Kind and generous of both love and spirit. You and Nancy opened your heart and home to me and I look back with a smile and gratitude in my heart for you all. Keeping you always in my heart and prayers. "
"I just learned of of Jack's passing and my head is swelling with fond memories and sadness. Back in the 50s and 60s, our parents were best friends. Our mothers first met in Los Angeles when they were walking with their infants (Jack and me) in baby strollers! I am looking at a framed collage of photos of my family taken at various Las Vegas hotel-casino shows. Lo and behold, there are Jack's parents, Ralph and Esther, with my parents, Cary and Ruth, having a ball at a table in the Congo Room of the Sahara Hotel in 1952! My brother Van and I recall many a fun afternoon with Jack and Steve when our parents got together for weekend barbecues (the Mishkins' had a swimming pool!). I particularity recall a 4th of July gathering when Steve dropped a lit sparkler into the box of fireworks -- we had a brief, but memorable, massive fireworks display! Although I haven't seen Jack for ages, my brother was also in the carpet biz and had occasional business dealings with Jack. We were both proud of Jack's successes in business and in life. I was deeply saddened to learn of Jack's untimely death. Being the same age, it is difficult to fathom that he is no longer with us. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jack's family. Rest in Peace, my friend."
"I have worked with JMish only since 2010, so I hadn't had much contact or conversation with Jack until by chance, he asked me and a fellow agent of JMish, Nick Maugerie, to join him and his wife for breakfast, as we were waiting in line together for a table at a restaurant in Mandalay Bay during Surfaces. It happened to be Jack's birthday so it was all the more special. It was really the first time I spent with Jack in conversation as I typically discussed JMish business with Bob and Don. It was refreshing and inspiring to see someone who was so successful and insightful in this industry that we all share, to be so humble, thoughtful and genuine. I believe this was a small sample of who Jack Mishkin truly was, and I wish I had known him better."
"I entered the flooring business in 1993 with Fabrica. Shortly there after, I began hearing some of the iconic names in the industry from those that had been in the business before me. One of the names I kept hearing was Jack Mishkin. The remarks I heard were usually filled with kind words and admiration and I wondered if I would ever get to meet him or one of the other iconic names I had heard over the years. I finally got to meet Jack around 2006 when he purchased a small company and re named it J.Mish. I remember how excited I was when I received a call from him wanting to meet me and interview me for a job. I wasn't sure what to expect but it didn't really matter as I was going to finally meet on of the people in the business that I had heard so much about. I accepted his invitation and arranged to meet him in NYC. He was definetly a lot taller than I had imagined and extreamly gracious. Here I was talking face to face with a LEGEND and he was complimenting me on all the good things he had heard about me. I was humbled by his presence and kind demeanor. He hired me and we became friend. He was very gererous and kind to me when I first became an agent and worked with hiim. I am glad that I was able to talk to Jack last year and express to him how grateful and appreciative I was to him for his generosity and the friendship he had offered me since having met him. Once again, I was humbled by his presence and demeanor after he thanked me for having had the pleasure to know me and for having been a large part of his team at J.Mish. That is how I will always remember Jack. I will miss him as others will and feel honored to have know such a true LEGEND of a man...Rest in Peace my friend. John"
"I knew Jack Mishkin for a short while at Bentley Prince Street. He was a great guy with a big heart and truly loved his family. "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand". My condolences to Jack's family and JMish. "
"Greta person, always willing to teach. I enjoyed talking to him so much. You will be missed very very much. Love to the entire family and all at JMish"
"Working with Jack both over the many years at Bentley and most recently at J. Mish has been a delight. What a talented and caring person he was. We will meet again my friend."
"Jack taught me well when I first went into business for myself. I'm grateful for wisdom. He will be missed my me and my family.
Many prayers and thoughts to Jack's family."
"What a rare and fantastic human being. It was an enormous privilege to know and share time with Jack. I will miss my friend terribly. I offer my deepest condolences to Nancy, Mark, Lauren and all those who loved him."
"Remembering the smiles and laughter with Jack. Nancy you are in our hearts as well as our prayers. Mike and Terry Beamer"
"I was employee #9 at Bentley Carpet Mills and got to work alonside Jack and his dad for 13 years- first inside the mill in the initial set up-and then as their sales rep in Orange County. I loved working with Jack- especially as we did field market research. He was creative and had so many great ideas. It was especially fun to make Jack laugh. His laugh was not only hearty and infectious- but it was the Best laugh- because it was the laugh of a genuine and caring person. He was generous and very supportive of everyone on the Bentley team. Although I did not have a chance to work with him after Bentley, it was fun to see him doing well in our industry and we would always reminisce about our Bentley days. He will be greatly missed! My condolences to his family, his friends and to his many colleagues. "
"Jack was a strong leader and a kind, caring man. It was an honor to be on his sales team. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. "
"Jack was always an energetic, hands-on, caring and supportive individual. It was truly an honor to work for him and represent his company. He will be missed in so many ways by so many people. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With deepest sympathy,
Geoff Siebold"
"O God, Creator of all good, you have given us a great treasure in our lives in Jack. Now You receive Your treasure back but the fortune stays with us still because we knew him. Shalom Jack. "
"I will miss Jack and his laughter. He was wonderful to work for here at jmish. We often had chats about movies and theatre, which both of us enjoyed. He was generous and kind. All of us here at jmish have lost a leader and friend. Love and prayers to his family."
"For those of us fortune enough to have met Jack, lucky enough to spend time with Jack and to get to know him, he was a great man. Jack with his strong presence but soft, deliberate speaking voice... Creative, smart, quick wit, warm, caring, a great sense of humor, a true gentleman and wonderfully creativity... We send our prayers and love to Nancy his wife, his daughter Lauren, his son Mark and five grandchildren! My life for one, was enriched by having known Jack. He is sorely missed!"
"So very sorry to hear of this great mans passing. He truly was a one of a kind in the carpet industry. Full of creativity, a happy spirit, and an overall genuinely nice person with class! I am glad I had the opportunity to cross paths with Jack. We have lost a good one. My sincere condolences to the Mishkin family. "
"Dear Nancy and Family, I wish I could be at the service to celebrate Jack and his wonderful life. He was such an inspiration and mentor to so many of us over the years. His spirit and generosity will not be forgotten. I have spent the weekend reminiscing about him and the many stories we shared. He was one-of-a-kind, as such is the case with a genius. He will be missed dearly, but I know I, and many others, will work diligently to honor his legacy with the most creative work possible. Peace be with you all, and RIP Jack."
"Nancy , Mark , Lauren and Family All of us here at J Mish loved him and your whole family. I feel honored to have met him, I love when he would come to visit us all here at J mish. He knew us all by first name . He always had a smile and made us all laught , he was a great man . He was more than our boss he was family . Wish we all could be there , but PLEASE know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers !!!!! "
"Jack was truly one of the nicest men I have EVER known. I will miss seeing that warm smile on his face. My deepest condolences to Nancy, Lauren, Mark and the entire Mishkin family. My heart is sadden by this loss........."
"Jack, Missing you very, very much. You always brought fun, and energy to accompany your amazing talent. We grew up through the carpet business together...on the west side, and then became friends as comrades at J Mish. Please say hello to Terry for me."
"The industry has lost a leader. I've lost a mentor and friend. Give my best to your dad when you meet in heaven. Ray"
"Jack, We here at J. Mish loved you.. You were always full of laughter, fun and we always loved it when you visited with us. I was honored to have known you. Every time you would call in you would always ask about Louie who was going through Cancer at the time. You were genuinely interested in all your employees and there was nothing that you wouldn't do for each of us. The legacy you have left behind will always be remembered. Love to you and your family..Dina Yates "
"Only Knew Jack a few years since representing the J Mish Carpet Mills in NY. He was such an interesting guy to meet with, he really knew the carpet business and I learned a lot from him. We visited J Mish in Georgia several times and had great discussions and fun dinners. Surfaces was always great, Larry Lane and I were the only reps they took out to special dinners because we all enjoyed each others company, including his wife nancy. He made us feel so special because of that. It was an honor to know such a wonderful man. He embraced and respected me and my opinion even though I was fairly new to the industry. What could I say, he was missed at the last 2 surfaces and now will be missed forever. I'm very sad to see him go. Its a great loss to all, my heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of his family. "
"Truly an outstanding and brilliant human being. He brought people together in his Companies and we shall all miss this very good man."
"We are so sorry for your loss. "
"Jack was a special person - his optimism, zest for life, and gracious spirit will live on. "
"A real genius and friend and mentor to all. He will be missed. Kindred spirit will live on forever."