Jack J. Place, 77, a longtime employee of National Material LP, died of complications from pneumonia Saturday, Feb. 22, in Alden Nursing Home in Des Plaines. A Mt. Prospect resident for more than 30 years, Mr. Place began working in the traffic department of Rolled Steel, a steel service center in Skokie in 1947, said his brother, Gene. He retired in 2001 after holding numerous positions, including sales manager and president of the Rolled Steel division after it was bought by Elk Grove Village-based National Material in the 1970s. “He was very well respected,” said Paula Blonski, risk manager at National Material. Born in Chicago, Mr. Place played football and ran track at Senn High School. He graduated in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy, where he continued to run competitively at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. A standout on the Great Lakes squad, Mr. Place was sent to University of Texas to run track, his brother said. He competed in the 100-yard dash and the mile relay, among other events, his brother said. An avid tennis player as well, Mr. Place won more than 50 championships at Meadow Club tennis courts in Rolling Meadows between 1982 and 1987, said his daughter, Patricia. A private service will be held in Mt. Prospect.
