James Lee Peach Sr, the fisherman’s son who parlayed a lifelong interest in pearls into two prominent US companies, died on 26 May following complications from surgery. He was 79.
Peach grew up poor, one of eight children, in Benton County, Tenn. As a child, he helped his father harvest shells and natural pearls from the Tennessee River.
“James experienced firsthand the challenges of limited resources,” reads an online obituary. “These circumstances instilled in him a deep understanding of the value of hard work and perseverance. Through unwavering determination, James worked his way through college, taking on the humble task of washing dishes to help pay for his education.”
When Peach graduated from Murray State University in 1967, he became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He also served six years in the Army National Guard.
In the 1970s, he founded the American Shell Company, which became a leading supplier to the Japanese cultured pearl industry. He later founded the United States Pearl Company, which at one time was one of the largest sellers of pearls in America.
“I buy my pearls almost exclusively from James Peach at the United States Pearl Company,” designer Naomi Sarna said in 2016. “He really has an eye for unusual pieces.”
In 2015, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky called him a “giant in the American pearl industry”.
Peach was also active in local politics, both behind the scenes and as a representative in the Tennessee State Assembly, where he served from 1995 to 1996.
In his later years, Peach enjoyed visiting thrift stores and enjoying the beauty of Lake Kentucky.
“It was not uncommon to find him humming or deeply immersed in the soul-stirring melodies of gospel music, which resonated deeply in his heart,” the obituary said.
Peach is survived by Venetia, his wife of 52 years; children James Jr, Vincent and Angela, all of whom worked in the pearl industry; five grandchildren; three brothers and a sister.
