Jack Countryman, publisher, author, and founder of JCountryman Gift Books, "whose remarkable career helped shape the Christian publishing industry and brought biblical encouragement to millions of readers around the world," has died, according to HarperCollins Christian Publishing and its subsidiary, Thomas Nelson.
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Countryman's publishing career began in 1982 at the kitchen table of his home, where he and his wife, Marsha, created God's Promises for Your Every Need. That first book laid the foundation for JCountryman Gift Books, which helped pioneer the inspirational gift book category, selling more than 30 million books and writing some 100 titles.
In 1994, he joined Thomas Nelson, where he helped develop and publish works by influential Christian voices. His honors include the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He retired as publisher emeritus of Thomas Nelson Gift in 2024.
"Few people have made such a huge impact in Christian publishing as Jack Countryman," said HCCP CEO Mark Schoenwald. "He has been a tremendous visionary, leader, and publisher. Jack led the way to create the category of inspirational gift books. It has truly been a privilege to know and work with him."
Laura Minchew, senior v-p and group publisher of the Children's and Gift Book Group at HCCP, called Countryman "a brilliant mentor and cherished friend. His deep faith, passion for publishing, love of life, and wonderful sense of humor left a lasting impression on me and so many others who had the privilege of working alongside him."
For Countryman, publishing was not just about selling books. As he once encouraged fellow publishers: "If you want to make a difference, create books that will touch lives and change lives. You may never know the impact you could have on someone through this good work."