Local businessman, former owner of WBRN Radio, John White, dead at age 79. John "Jack" Anthony White II, passed away peacefully in his home in The Villages, Florida on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the age of 79 years. He was formerly of Big Rapids, MI, and Sarasota, FL. He was born on February 28, 1939 in Grand Rapids, MI. The son of Dr. John A. and Elaine E. White, Jack attended Ferris State College and Sacramento State College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1959-63. Following his discharge, Jack worked as a Special Agent for Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Co in California. He returned to Big Rapids as a Loan Officer of First National Bank & Trust. In 1966, he married Theresa Rosner of Indianapolis, IN. In 1966 he became Manager and then President and CEO of radio station, WBRN Inc, and also worked as Founder and President of Rapid Cablevision, in Big Rapids, MI, from 1973-86. He retired in 1996 after working in Broadcasting for 30 years. Jack is survived by his wife of 52 years, Theresa, and their two children, Cathy (Marco) Renedo of Westport, CT and John (Brenda) White, of Interlochen, MI; and his siblings, Geri (Richard) Hanna of Big Rapids, James P. (Kathy) White of Grand Rapids, Gena (Dick) Sheldon of Grand Ledge and Thomas J. White of Big Rapids, and 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jack was active in the local community, the St. Mary Catholic Church Parish and also as Director and Treasurer of The Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Big Rapids Industrial Development Corporation, Past President and Treasurer of Big Rapids Lions Club and Mecosta County Fair Board, and Past President of Mecosta County Economic Development Corporation. In 1986, was awarded Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. He will be remembered for his love of boating, generous spirit, strong principles and quick laugh. He was a loving spouse, father, and grandfather. Funeral visitation will take place on Sunday, December 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2018 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. The family is greeting friends one hour prior to Mass. Burial will be in the Spring at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of the Resurrection Monday, December 10, 2018 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Sunday, December 9, 2018 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307