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Industry Loses One of Its Founders, Jack Culp

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John “Jack” Howard Culp, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and AV pioneer, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2025, in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 85.

Born on Jan. 10, 1939, Jack lived a life marked by family, community and an enduring love for nature and photography. After graduating from Fairview High School and attending the University of Cincinnati, Jack stayed in Dayton, Ohio. And in 1973, Jack founded Audio Visual Systems, a decision that led him to remarkable professional achievements, including his role as president of the ICIA (now AVIXA) and as the recording secretary at the Dayton chapter of SCORE. He extended his commitment to service by presiding as the president of his Homeowners’ Association for 25 years.

Jack, a longtime advocate for the audiovisual industry, sold his company, Audio Visual Systems, to MCSi (Miami Computer Supply Corporation) in 1998. The sale was to a company that later faced allegations of fraud and criminal convictions, including charges against its CEO, Mike Peppel. Despite this, Jack’s legacy in the AV world is defined by his tireless dedication to advancing the field.

He continued to support the industry through extensive volunteer efforts, serving as president of what is now known as AVIXA. During his tenure on the board, Jack played a pivotal role in the organization’s global expansion. His foresight was instrumental in establishing AVIXA’s support for the international AV community, indirectly contributing to the success of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), now one of the largest events in the industry.

Jack’s vision and leadership left an indelible mark on the AV world. Rest in peace, Jack.

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