Jackson Grim Denton, 101, real estate executive

Jackson Grim Denton, 101, a real estate executive, died Saturday, July 20, of pneumonia at the Quadrangle, a retirement community in Haverford.

For many years, he lived in Wynnewood.

As a young man, Mr. Denton had suffered from poor health, said his son, Jackson Grim Denton Jr., and he learned to take care of himself.

"He never smoked, he never drank, and he walked everywhere. A car was something you used when you couldn't walk there. He never ate sweets," his son said. He said his father was healthy until a month ago.

Mr. Denton spent his entire business career with Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co., retiring in 1973 as associate manager of the mortgage and real estate department. His office was at 46th and Market Streets in West Philadelphia.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Denton spent his elementary school years in Toronto, and moved back to Philadelphia at 13. He attended Germantown Academy and graduated with honors from Northeast High School.

He received his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. He majored in economics and graduated with honors. While there, he was a star on the debate team.

"Oddly enough, he was a mild-mannered man. He was a star on the debate team because he would prepare meticulously," his son said.

He was an accomplished piano and organ player. In his youth, he was tapped to play piano at a silent movie theater in Northeast Philadelphia. In later years, he enjoyed playing at churches and retirement homes in the area, including the Quadrangle.

At various times he served as a trustee at Ardmore Presbyterian Church, president of the Westminster Foundation, and on various committees at the Quadrangle.

In August 1939 he married the former Katharine Everett, whom he had met at a boarding house on Spruce Street where she lived. They were devoted to each other until her death from breast cancer in August 1988.

"It was rough when she passed away," his son said. But as the years passed, the demographics of old age favored him: He was in great demand as a dinner partner for ladies at the Quadrangle.

Surviving, besides his son, is a daughter, Eleanor Denton Morris; and grandson, Jackson Grim Denton III. Services will be private.

Condolences to the family may be offered via www.chadwickmckinney.com.