Jack Vernon Penrod's Obituary
Jack Penrod, 85, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 25, 1939, to Ruth and Chester Penrod in Columbus, Ohio, during the Great Depression, Jack was one of five siblings. His early years were shaped by resilience and determination, traits that would later define his extraordinary life.
From modest beginnings, Jack’s journey was one of remarkable success. He began his career as a McDonald’s line cook and quickly grew to be one of the franchise's biggest owners. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open several popular bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Daytona. In 1988, Jack transformed South Beach with the opening of Penrod's Beach Club, revitalizing the area from a quiet retirement community into a vibrant resort destination for the young and trendy. Recognizing his transformative impact on Miami Beach, the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami Beach proclaimed April 17, 2012, as "Jack Penrod Day" in his honor.
In 1998, Jack honored his late daughter Nicole by founding Nikki Beach on the former Penrod’s Beach Club site, a heartfelt tribute that became a destination synonymous with celebration, community, and a unique blend of music, dining, and entertainment that organically grew into a global luxury lifestyle brand. Jack remained the visionary behind Nikki Beach Hospitality Group until his final days.
Jack’s adventurous spirit was as dynamic as his business ventures. An avid diver, skilled pilot, and thrill-seeker, he found joy in life’s extraordinary challenges — whether living off the land in remote habitats, flying high above the clouds, or hosting A-list celebrities at Nikki Beach. Jack’s life was a tapestry of wild adventures, heartfelt connections, and a commitment to living life to the fullest. Jack documented his extraordinary life in his autobiography, One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life, published in 2023.
His boundless enthusiasm for life and business left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Through his mentorship, generosity, and vision, he touched the lives of countless individuals — friends, colleagues, employees, and guests who were inspired by his passion and kindness. His influence extended far beyond his businesses, shaping communities and creating lifelong connections around the world.
In 1984, Jack met his wife, Lucia, and together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and unforgettable memories. They raised twins, Jake and Isabella, and shared a bond that inspired everyone around them. Jack was predeceased by his daughters, Nicole Penrod and Tracey Penrod, his brothers, Chuck and Bob Penrod, and his grandson, Max Higney. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucia, and their children, Jake and Isabella, as well as his children Michele and Michael from his first marriage to Annette Yarborough. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Caitlin Shearsmith, Zachary Payne, Cassidy Payne First, Austin Higney, and Skylar Penrod, along with great-grandchildren Sienna, Juliette, and Henley Shearsmith, and Arlen Payne. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Ann Penrod-Kramer and Melodie Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that donations be made in Jack’s memory to Nikki Cares, the 501(c)3 charity he launched to support causes close to his heart. Donations can be made via Zelle using the email address [email protected].
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