Veteran Mftrs Rep Geise is Mourned

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Cinnaminson, N.J. —

Industry veteran James Geise passed away here Dec. 26, 2007, surrounded by his family after battling cancer.

Geise started his career in the Arkwright buying office in New York in the late 1950s, moving to Crawford in the early 1960s, eventually covering the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington territories.

In 1968, he became an independent rep, opening Geise Associates. There, he and wife Grace traveled and worked together in the business. Daughter Liz joined the company in 1982, staying there for 13 years.

Geise represented many manufacturers over the years, including Sure Fit, Ex-Cell, Home Innovations, Bess Mfg and Royale Linens. He continued to represent accounts until shortly before his death.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a U.S. Army veteran. Geise was mourned Dec. 28 at a funeral mass at St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford, N.J. and was interred in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown, N.J.

He is survived by wife Grace; son Jim, a 27-year industry exec currently at Extreme Linen; daughter Liz, an industry exec now at Veratex; daughters Mary and Regina; three brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, N.J., 08053.