APQC, the benchmarking and best practices research firm, mourns the death of founder and executive chairman C. Jackson “Jack” Grayson WG48. He passed away peacefully on May 4 at his home in Houston, TX, at the age of 93. Grayson spent his entire professional career applying quality thinking and methods to help improve organizations and society. With a zeal for life and quest for adventure, “Mr. Charisma” always kept his family and colleagues on their toes. He started setting the bar high in high school when he danced with Vivien Leigh at the gala premiere of Gone with the Wind in Atlanta while a student at Georgia Military Academy. Keen on exploring the world and all its wonder, Grayson completed his seven-continent quest in 2003 at age 80 with an Antarctica trip, and celebrated his birthday with skydives at age 75 and 90. “APQC has lost a tireless champion, a visionary genius, and an inspiring mentor. “Jack’s early and sustained efforts to help companies in business, government, and education improve productivity and quality have enhanced the competitiveness of countless organizations for almost five decades,” said Lisa Higgins, APQC president and chief operating officer. “We’ll especially miss his passion, wit, and enthusiasm for both work and life.”