Jerrold Thomas French

Jerrold T. French (1931-2021), Kalamazoo philanthropist for the arts, passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice Care on October 17, 2021. Jerrold is preceded by his parents Elzie J. and Nancy French and his sister Emily J. Richards. He is survived by his brother Daniel P. French (Marcia), nephews Mark French (Carla-Shoreder) and Steven French (Lori) and niece Diane Caruso (Rick). Additionally, he is survived by children of Emily J. Richards (sister) nephews David Richards (Ann), Thomas Richards (Becky), Phillip Richards (Kathy) and a special recognition to the close father-son relationship with Tyler D. Boyl. Additionally, several close special friends: John H. Fisher (Traverse City), Shawn P. Sackett (Chicago), Jared A. Aiello (Pittsburgh). And his special Kalamazoo advisory team: Helen Osterwald, Dr. Arthur L. Riley (retired) and Robert G. Hawley. Jerrold was a native of Kalamazoo and graduate of Kalamazoo Central where he was a member of the men's cross-country team and performed dance numbers in the band Follies. Jerrold received a BA + BS from Western Michigan University commissioned through the ROTC program (Army Branch). He was an active member of Phi Mu Alpha, Sinfonia where he served as president for 2 years. After serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he took a position with the American National Bank where he served as an assistant cashier for 12 years. Following that, he took over the management of Shera Galleries Showroom in Grand Rapids. Ultimately, he established his own business- J.T. French Company Designer Showroom in Grand Rapids which he closed in 2005 and retired in Kalamazoo to support and promote the arts. Jerrold served on The Western Michigan University Theatre Guild for 12 years (2 years as president). Founding Board Member of WMU's Partners in Dance, served as a member of Wellspring/Cory Terry and Dancers. Board Member of Fontana Arts. Board Member of the Kalamazoo Park Club. Jerrold was currently serving as a founding member of the Board of Directors of The Farmers Alley Theatre. Jerrold has received several awards over the years including: The Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, and The WMU Partners in Dance Advocacy Award. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to any of the following organizations: The Farmer's Alley Theatre, The Ethel Perry-Eaton and Jerrold T French WMU Endowed Dance Scholarship, The Gilmore Keyboard Festival, The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, The Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Michigan University Production Fund, and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan (Rose Arbor). A private reception will be held at a later time.