1928 – 2004

AUGUSTA – John “Jack” Havey, 75, of Winthrop, died Wednesday, March 10, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Born in Augusta, July 14, 1928, the son of Barney Morton and Marjorie Malkson Havey, he attended schools in West Sullivan, Bangor and Waterville and the New England School of Art in Boston. After three years in the Marines, “Jack” helped start what is now WGME-TV, finally serving as national sales manager.

He established Ad-Media Inc. in 1961. As creative director and president, he created and produced television commercials, industrial films, national print advertisements and related collateral items for clients ranging from Sebago and Docksides Shoes to Hathaway Shirts, CMP and International Paper.

Many campaign themes and ideas are attributed to him, including the addition of USA to Sugarloaf and creating the phrase “Think About It” for the first independent candidate elected to gubernatorial office in the U.S.

He was a nationally known illustrator and writer. Among leading personalities whose portraits he has painted are Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Brooks Robinson and former Governor James Longley, to name a few. Norman Rockwell wrote of his work: “(they) reflect a unique, warm and very professional talent with people.” His book, West Sullivan Days, was published by DownEast Books in 2001.

Survivors include his wife, Beryl-Ann Johnson of Winthrop; daughters, Linda Havey of South Portland, Jan Burns and her husband, Bruce Burns of Winthrop and Susan Havey of Manchester; former wife, Geraldine Havey of Manchester; and grandchildren, Shianne Wheeler of Old Town and Joshua Wheeler of Winthrop.

He was predeceased by his son, John Morton Havey of New York City.