John W. Jepson, Ph.D., 86, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 19, with his family at his side at the Sippican Healthcare Center. He was the husband of Joan (Lavalley) Jepson of Marion. John was born in Queens Village in New York on November 7, 1931 the son of the late Milton and Flora (Bennett) Jepson.
John graduated from Jamaica High School in New York in 1949 and earned his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1954 from North Eastern University. John received his Master’s in 1955 from Yale and his Ph.D. from Yale in 1958. From 1958-1968 he worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories in the research and development of underwater sound development for submarine warfare. In 1968 John became the Director of Corporate Research and Development for Titleist Golf Division. In 1974 the company made him the Vice President of Corporate R & D and from 1979 – 1984 he was the Vice President of Operations for Titleist Golf Divisions. He managed over 1,000 employees that produced golf balls, clubs, putters and carts. He implemented automation into the golf ball plant and developed the Pinnacle golf ball. The Pinnacle golf ball was the 2 piece solid ball for Titleist. From 1982 to 1984 John became the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Titleist Golf Division. He increased sales in all product categories and increased operating income. He also started a joint venture in Japan and other Southeast Asian countries. From 1984 to 1990 he was the executive Vice President and General Manager of the Rubber Division. John again increased sales and operating income and created a joint venture manufacturing plant in Bangkok, Thailand. He developed a self-sufficient computer hardware / software system, revamped costing system and introduced business resource planning. His work in golf ball design patents lead to his affectionate industry nick name “Dr. Dimples”.
In 1990 John became the Executive Vice President of the Ben Hogan Company, FT. Worth, TX. He was responsible for ball and club development, operations, patents, trademarks and assisted with general management issues. In 1993 to the present John founded Naples Golf Co., Noble Golf Company and was a consultant for On Mark Consulting. John served on the Board of Directors of the National Golf Foundation from 1979-1989 and was the Chairman from 1987 -1988. He holds 29 U.S. patents and 75 foreign patents. John was a life member of Descendants of Whaling Masters, Inc. He was a direct descendant of Capt. John Maxfield Tinkham, of the Whaleship Bark Charles W. Morgan.
John is also survived by his daughter Nancy Ellen Thompson and her husband John of Clinton, MA, his grandson: Jason R. Ryan, his great grandchildren: Benjamin, Jonah, Megan and Gabrielle. He was the father of the late Robert Evan Jepson and brother of the late Ellen McLeod. He was also survived by many loving relatives and friends.
John’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 29, at 10:30 am in Saint Rita’s Church 113 Front Street Marion. Interment will be private. Visiting hours have been omitted. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Sippican Healthcare, C/O Ann Bishop Activities Dir. 15 Mill Street, Marion, MA 02538. Arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center Wareham.
