I did not know Jack Schron Sr. nearly as well as he made me feel like I did.

Jack was the patriarch of the Schron family that founded Jergens, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio - a venerable tooling manufacturer with a long history and rich heritage. I had the great pleasure earlier in my career to work with the Schrons when they founded ToolingU in 2002.

I found out that Jack passed away the other day, and I found myself more touched by it than I would have expected. I haven't seen him for 2 years, and had only known him a little longer than that. But there were many things about him that affected me, and I expect if you know (or are) a toolmaker these qualities may resonate with you as I reflect on what I knew of the man.

Every single time that I saw him, he made me feel like the only person in the room - whether it was in his office at Jergens or in a cavernous hall at IMTS. I watched him do this with everyone he met. He was graceful in a way that only a life spent solving problems and finding solutions can make someone. His eyes were clear and sparkled, and his personality positively shined with confidence - but not arrogance. His humor was genuine and never forced, at least while I was around him. He commanded respect, but at the same time you just couldn't help but want to have a beer with the guy.

But what really set this man's life apart for me is his legacy. His offspring - running the business he founded - are solid, honest, studious and dependable. They are respectful of their community, altruistic and generous. Their company encourages a family and team atmosphere. They are creative and resourceful. And they give a ****.

Like farmers, most toolmakers develop an easiness that mastering the natural world brings. Jack passed these qualities onto his son, Jack, and his grandson, Chad. It's something that can't be faked.

I imagine Jack Schron, Sr., this week, like when I last saw him, in his 90's and riding the aisles of IMTS, greeting everyone with a smile and surveying the tools and technology with curiosity and eyes sparkling.

Just like a true toolmaker.