Inductees
into the "USCHI Hall of Fame" are Bill and
Jean Jarrard of Moline, Illinois.
Bill worked
for John Deere Harvester Works from 1980, helping
harvesters along the harvest trail, until his retirement
in 1997. He enjoyed a variety of jobs while working
for "Deere". Bill began his career in their
Marketing Department and moved onto the Service Department
in 1987. He joined their Technical Support Van, traveling
along the harvest trail for more than eight years,
spending hours and hours tracing down and delivering
parts for combines with problems. Jim Deibert, a custom
harvester said,"Bill always thought of all of
us as his cutters." "He made sure that we
got our problem solved as soon as possible."
"Bill never drove by a broke down John Deere
without stopping to help get it back running."
Bill aided
in building a close relationship with the USCHI organization
after he became involved in 1987. He used his influence
to make sure that every meal sponsored by John Deere
for USCHI was superb. He once stood over the chef
at Wichita, Kansas, and made sure the steaks were
cooked just right. Especially, since the hotel had
served everyone raw hamburgers at an earlier meal.
Bill always put his heart and sole into everything
he undertook. Bill and Jean were always welcome sites
at the harvesters conventions.
His competitors
also respected Bill. He was always willing to lend
a helping hand if they needed something. Bill and
Camiel Beert, with Case IH, paths would cross at conventions,
farm shows and even sometimes in foreign countries.
They shared many stories over time and remain friends
today.
Due to
health reasons, Bill was unable to continue with field
service and finished his career as a DTAC (Dealer
Technical Assistance Center) Representative. Bill
elected to retire in 1997. Now he mainly spends his
time traveling to NASCAR races.
We are
very honored to induct Bill and Jean into the USCHI
Hall of Fame.
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