talkmagic.co.uk

Courtesy of http://www.magicweek.co.uk:

Jerry O'Connell. 2nd January 1937 - 27th January 2022. Jerry O’ Connell AIMC, FFFF creator of the JOL Leather wallets and accessories range passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. In the 1960’s Jerry was the original drummer for Joe Brown and the The Bruvvers, touring the country and music venues. He also owned a clothing factory in the North. Later, Jerry spent years doing the knowledge and became a London Taxi Driver. He was a regular performer at FFFF, and was always full of practical jokes and gags. He was the resident technician at The Magic Circle, running the gantry at Chenies Mews, and set up the Restaurant Magician of the Year, and for many years ran their summer school. Jerry was one of the first close-up magicians in London with the likes of Darryl Rose, Fay Presto, Peter Mehtab, Michael Vincent and Pat Page. Known for his straight talking and generosity, he often put teams of magicians together for larger events.

Jerry loved magic wallets, and having owned Eric Mason’s Beta Wallet he was convinced he could hand make his own with his own dimensions and with beautiful softer leather. He made one for himself and then for his friends... his business then naturally followed. The Card in Envelope in wallets were all hand made in his London flat on his sewing machine with the finest leathers. Every wallet was a work of art, and every single one unique. He expanded his range and sold everything from scissor and coin holders to almost every type of magic wallet you could think of. When he moved to Bushey Heath he set up a workshop, until he decided to have others make for him. He had over 25 products in his range selling all over the world. Every item came with jokes and visual gags! When he decided to retire he sold his stock and Manufacturing rights to Propdog, who have maintained his legacy with the JOL range.

Jerry was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago and spent his latter days with his wife Marion, children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his friends, family and magic community. You will always think of him when you next reach to tear that card out of that envelope out of that leather wallet. RIP. Darryl Rose. 29.1.22

I'm very sad to hear this news. Jerry was a cantankerous, curmudgeonly and sometimes controversial character. I liked him the moment I met him, we got on like a house on fire. He was kind, generous with his time, and knowledge. He taught me how to flick a card and to shuffle a deck with one hand, he gave me work and he bought me dinner. I still have one of his hand made wallets, cards holder, coin holder and scissors holster. Unfortunately over time, as is often the way with folks, we lost touch. It is with great sadness to hear that he has died. He was a good bloke. Thanks Jerry, keep sticking it to them. Carl.