WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — The craft beer brewing industry has suffered a significant loss with the recent passing of Ron Jeffries, the founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales.

In 2004, Jeffries, along with his wife Laurie, established Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter. The brewery later expanded to various locations throughout Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, East Lansing, and Traverse City.

Tony Grant, a longtime friend and business partner, described Jeffries as “a Renaissance man” and noted that he was “wicked smart.”

“Jeffries established new categories and trends within the industry,” remarked Grant, CEO and CFO of Northern United Brewing Co. “And he consistently did this.”

Northern United Brewing Co. was founded in 2008, uniting Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing Co., and Grizzly Peak Brewing Co., where Jeffries had previously worked as a brewer.

“Ron embodied creativity and passion,” he explained. “He had a brilliant mind, capable of sourcing and discovering ingredients and flavors that would surprise people.”

His specialty lay in crafting sour beers.

“There wasn’t a sour beer category in the U.S. for competitions or medals,” Grant remarked. “He truly initiated it.”

Grant emphasized that his influence reaches far beyond the brewery.

Jeffries played a vital role as a founding member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. He also worked closely with brewers from all over the nation and internationally, assisting many in establishing their own breweries.

“His generosity in sharing his time and expertise was remarkable,” Grant noted. “Numerous brewers and breweries throughout the country owe their beginnings to his support.”

He also recalls his friend as a “quirky, funny” individual with a wit that was “off the charts.”

“He was also undeniably the most caring, generous, and loving person, too,” he shared.

Son Daemon Jeffries announced his father’s passing in a Facebook post on Monday, Sept. 30.

“It is with heavy hearts that we honor Ron Jeffries, a devoted husband and father, who made an impact on many lives through his passion and creativity,” Daemon Jeffries expressed in the post.

Jeffries is survived by his son, his wife Laurie Jeffries, and daughter-in-law Ashley Megan.

“Ron was not only a devoted family man but also a brilliant creative mind and an everlasting learner,” Daemon Jeffries remarked in his message.

Before his passing, Ron and Laurie Jeffries had relocated to Hawaii where they were engaged in setting up a brewery.

“In his last year, Ron achieved his dream of relocating to Hawaii, where he enthusiastically pursued the family brewery venture,” Daemon Jeffries shared in part of his message. “He was thrilled about the future possibilities with Hilo Brewing Company/Holoholo Brewing. He treasured the moments spent on his lanai, enjoying the Hilo rain with a pint in hand.”

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