James S. Herr, founder of Herr Foods Inc., maker of Herr’s line of snacks, passed away of complications from pneumonia on April 5, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Miriam Hershey Herr. Together they had five children: June Gunden, wife of Doug Gunden, Peachtree City, GA; James M. Herr, husband of Lois Herr, Nottingham, PA; Edwin Herr, Nottingham, PA; Gene Herr, husband of Terri Herr, Kirkwood, PA; and Martha Thomas, wife of Daryl Thomas, Kirkwood, PA. Jim is survived by 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Herr was born in Lancaster, PA, on August 6, 1924. He is survived by two brothers, Christian Herr of Willow Street, PA, and Ira Herr of Ephrata, as well as a sister, Anna Mae Herr of Phoenix, AZ.He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Herr Metzler in 1974.
He started his snack food business in 1946 with the help of his then fiancée, and now wife, Miriam. The business grew from a small potato chip manufacturing operation to a producer of a full line of snacks. Today Herr’s products can be found in most states and in numerous foreign countries. While retaining his title of founder, Jim Herr retired from his role as chairman of the board of Herr Foods Inc, when his eldest son, J.M. Herr, assumed that role in 2005. Until his passing, J.S. continued to serve on the board of directors.
Herr was very active in his community and his church, Mount Vernon Mennonite. In addition he provided leadership on numerous boards dedicated to evangelism, philanthropy, and free enterprise.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the James S. Herr Foundation, which supports evangelism around the world. Memorial conations can be sent to: Herr Foods Inc.,20 Herr Drive, PO Box 300,Nottingham,PA,19362.
Lee Javitch, former president and chairman of Giant/Carlisle, has passed away at the age of 81. Javitch led the company (originally the Carlisle Meat Market) founded by his father David Javitch from 1968 to 1981 when it was sold to Royal Ahold. He retired in 1982.
Javitch began his industry career in the stores. During his teenage years, Javitch learned the business bagging potatoes, trimming lettuce, unloading watermelons, stocking shelves, cutting meat and being a cashier.
Javitch referred to his father as a “tough task master, he made me a good merchant.” But Javitch’s success was also based on his managerial skills. A student of management, Javitch learned that “you can lead people through fire but you cannot drive them across the street.” By the time Javitch graduated from college in 1953, the Carlisle Meat Market was now the Carlisle Food Market and the company had one other store inLewistown,PA., called Giant. The company bought Martin’s food stores inHagerstown,MDin 1968. A year earlier, Lee Javitch was named president. The company continued to grow under Lee Javitch who developed a reputation of making all Giant’s associates feel important. He was named chairman in 1979 and along with then president Nick Riso, Javitch introduced “Everyday Low Prices” which has since driven Giant’s earnings and sales growth. Javitch retired as chairman in 1983.
Javitch is survived by his wife Rona; children Jonathan (Miriam), Lisa (Louis Benjamin) and David (Rikki); and grandchildren Sam, Shoshana, Yona and Jake.
He served on the boards of trustees of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, the board of directors of Dauphin Deposit Bank and Allfirst Bank. A man of immeasurable generosity to many loyal friends, and a dedicated philanthropist for the community, he served on the Board of Directors of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and for the boards of MAZON: A Jewish Response for Hunger, and Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, for which he also served as chair.
Memorial contributions may be made to MAZON or UJA.