Jack Henry co-founder dies

Jerry Hall, co-founder of Monett-based Jack Henry & Associates Inc., died yesterday of natural causes. He was 69.

Hall co-founded the financial service technology provider in 1976 with John W. “Jack” Henry, who died in 2007 at age 71.

Hall, a Monett native, also served on the publicly traded company's board of directors and was acting executive vice president, according to a news release.

"Jerry was known for his generous nature, strong work ethic and common-sense approach to business. He was a good business man, a motivational leader, and an important member of our community," Jack Henry Chairman and CEO Jack Prim said in the release. "On a personal note, while he served primarily in an advisory capacity the past few years, he helped me better understand the unique culture of the company and how important it is."

Born as an idea on the back of a napkin in a coffee shop, Hall and Henry started Jack Henry & Associates in space rented from an engine repair shop. The company went public in 1985, and ended its fiscal 2012 with net income of $155 million. As of Dec. 31, Jack Henry - which constructs integrated computer systems and processes ATM and debit card transactions for bank and credit unions - had roughly 11,900 customers nationwide and assets of $1.6 billion.

Funeral arrangements have not been set for Hall, who is survived by his wife, Pat, his daughters, Debi and Janet; his son, Jeff; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, the release said.