This true pioneer spent 60 years of his life in the plastics industry. Made persistent efforts to promote public awareness of the benefits of plastics in our daily lives. A founder and vice president of the National Plastics Center and Museum.

Jack Keville was born in 1911 in the Pioneer City of Leominster, MA. During school vacations in his uncle's factory, young Jack operated saw machines cutting teeth in celluloid combs. From this almost prophetic beginning, he became an avid participant in most phases of the expanding industry.

Following his BA from new York's Columbia University in 1933, and a brief stint at the New York Herald Tribune, he joined the Plastics Division of Celanese Corp. (then known as Celluloid Corp.) in 1938, eventually achieving the position of assistant general sales manager. In 1964, he joined Standard Pyroxoloid Company in Leominster.

From 1964 to 1984, he also served the industry in various sales positions with Brea Chemical Division of Union Oil of California, Ludlow Corp.'s Flexible Plastics Packaging Division, and the Polymer Chemicals Division of W. R. Grace Co.

Recognizing the growing need for educating the public, he "preached and promoted" greater awareness of the many beneficial uses of plastics in daily living. These efforts were highlighted by his radio talk show titled "Salute to the Plastics Industry."

In 1976 he and other members of the Pioneer Valley Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) began formulating his dream of a National Plastics Museum. This dream was fully realized in 1992, with the grand opening of the National Plastics Center and Museum in Leominster. This internationally acclaimed center has made a significant contribution to the plastics industry. Jack's tireless efforts over the past sixteen years in fund-raising and promoting the benefits of this enterprise made this unique accomplishment possible.

Jack is a member "emeritus" of SPE and an associate member of The Society of the Plastics Industry. He was the founding chairman of the Rigid Plastics Container Committee of the Packaging Institute and is also a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. He is a member of the Board of the Plastics Academy.

Jack has two children: Anne Siderius and John L. Keville, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He has recently relocated to his son's home and would love to hear from folks

Mr. Jack J. Keville
623 San Robar Drive
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-541-0305