Retired distiller honored by State Senate

Monday, April 14, 2008

Retired Jack Daniel Distillery Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford was honored last week by the Tennessee State Senate. From left: Emily and Jimmy Bedford, State Sen. Jim Tracy, Sandra Jo and Bill Bedford.
(Submitted photo)
[Click to enlarge]

Jimmy Bedford, who retired March 31 after 20 years as master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, was honored Thursday on the floor of the Tennessee Senate as lawmakers congratulated him for his accomplishments.

The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. George Fraley (D-Winchester).

Bedford had worked for the distillery for 40 years. The resolution recognized Bedford's "tireless efforts and ... his role in advertising the brand in print and television ads and through public appearances worldwide."

Bedford was in many ways the public face of the distillery and would autograph bottles of its product during public appearances. Although Jack Daniel's is more known for print ads than television, one of its early forays into TV advertising was a humorous spot which portrayed Bedford preparing and tasting his morning coffee at the distillery with the same care that he might use sampling a batch of whiskey.

"I wanted to recognize Jimmy Bedford for what he has done, not only for Jack Daniel's -- not only for what he has done for Lynchburg and Moore County -- but as an ambassador for Tennessee," Tracy said. "He has gone around the world, bringing tremendous tourism to Tennessee. He is a great citizen to this state."

"Jack Daniel's is a proud part of the fabric of this State, and Jimmy Bedford has seamlessly built upon its history while guiding the distillery into a new era of prominence," the resolution read. "Mr. Bedford exemplifies the spirit and allegiance to family and community that are characteristic of a true Tennessean."

Bedford said, "I am not a politician and am not a salesman, but I do have much respect for you, Jim Tracy, and it's an honor for us to have you in our district. I do appreciate the opportunity to join you in the State Senate here today, and have the resolution read."

Fraley, who was also present on the Senate floor, said, "It is great for me to be here today at this special event. I have known Jimmy Bedford for a number of years. This is a great family and we appreciate the work they have done and their contributions to the community."

Fraley said he worked with Bedford as a contract officer for the Air Force. Bedford was joined at the event by his wife Emily, and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sandra Jo Bedford.

The distillery named Jeff Arnett this month to succeed Bedford as master distiller.

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I cannot help but write that a career in alcoholic distribution is not a respectable family and community work. More and more families are broken up due to alcoholic consumption. Find someone who really made a difference in helping people's lives not one that caused homes and families so much pain.

-- Posted by gerry on Mon, Apr 14, 2008, at 2:18 PM

We are not allowed to smoke indoors, but we can drink and have gay marriage. Shows you where Mr. Tracys priorities are. I think that Mr. Bedford has had a wonderful career, but why should the state senate be recognizing something like alcohol production.

-- Posted by greasemonkey on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 9:02 PM