Jerre B. Swann

Jerre B. Swann died February 12, at age 85.

Jerre was born in Gadsden, Alabama. He attended Christ School in Asheville, North Carolina. In 1957, Jerre’s father bought him a one-way train ticket to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts from which, metaphorically, he never returned. The open-minded, catalyzing ideas and perspectives that Jerre discovered at Williams changed and sustained him throughout his life.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Williams in 1961, Jerre studied jurisprudence at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland as a Rotary Foundation Fellow. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1965 and then clerked for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. Jerre returned south to Atlanta in 1967 to build a career in trademark and unfair competition litigation at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP that would span over 50 years and include a massive roster of clients, from adidas to the Country Music Association to the University of Alabama.

Always first in Jerre’s heart were his children, the “true loves of his life”. His second love, and always first true passion, was his work. Jerre’s prodigious capacity for ideas and deft ability to make persuasive argument from nascent concept were at once practical and creative, and at all times elegant. As a prolific author, editor, and speaker, and as an adjunct professor of trademark law at the University of Georgia School of Law, Jerre advanced singular thought leadership that transcended the courtroom and established him as a nationally recognized expert in trademark surveys and trademark dilution law.

In Jerre’s own estimation, however, his proudest, highest and most gratifying professional achievements were his close collaborations with talented colleagues and friends, always underpinned by his wealth of support, guidance, and intellectual generosity.

Jerre was a keen intellect, a formidable opponent, and a kind soul. We miss him dearly.

Jerre is survived by his sister, Jane Swann Kay; his brother-in-law, Woodward Kay; his son, Jerre B. Swann, Jr.; his daughter, Eliza Swann; his son-in-law, J.R. Ambrose; and his beloved grandson, Edward Swann Ambrose. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julius S. and Alma Nelle McCartney Swann, and by his brothers, John E. Swann and Julius S. Swann, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Williams College. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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