Long-Time Recognition Sales Professional Dies
.png)
A veteran recognition sales professional dies at age 59. Click here to subscribe to RRN weekly, and here for an RRN media kit.
John Craig Ainsworth, a 23-year veteran in sales of recognition, passed away at the age of 59. He was most recently Vice President, Apprecit8u, an Alpharetta, GA recognition firm, and before that Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eagle Recognition, now part of C.A. Short. The cause was a sudden heart attack.
According to his obituary, Ainsworth was known for his enjoyment of the simple way of life, his tough exterior and heart of gold, his quick wit and dry sense of humor, his admiration of football, and his unwavering devotion to his family - especially his wife Fran, his partner in every adventure. His booming, contagious laugh and easy smile would spread joy throughout any room. He was a loyal fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville University and Auburn University. He loved spending time in the sun and by the water, often caught with a shrimp cocktail and a few Coors Lights nearby.
Ainsworth cherished spending quality time with his sons - whether playing on the golf course, relaxing at the Derby, coaching, or watching any sporting event. His greatest achievements include his beautiful 28-year marriage to Fran, raising three incredible sons, and embracing his entrepreneurial passion together with Fran by building their business, Appreci8u, according to his obituary.
As a natural-born leader, Ainsworth is said to have had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He was an outstanding spokesman and salesperson who left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. In his early years, he served as an acolyte in his church, where he provided service and faith to his community. He discovered the importance of hard work early on, earning his first paycheck at Deerfield True Value Hardware Store at age 16. His mother fondly recalls that from his first paycheck, he bought the Nativity set she still puts up every Christmas - a reflection of his thoughtfulness and the values that would come to define his life. Each of these qualities he instilled in his sons.
Ainsworth was born Sept. 15, 1966 to William James Ainsworth and Joanne Catherine Ainsworth in Abington, PA. Craig spent most of his childhood in Chicago before attending the University of Tampa. He ultimately settled in metro Atlanta, where he built a life surrounded by family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his mother, Joanne; his wife, Fran; his three sons, Ian, Patrick, Sean; and his two sisters Colleen and Liz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Craig Ainsworth to St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell, GA. To offer your condolences and share cherished memories, please visit Roswellfuneralhome.com.
Enterprise Engagement Alliance Services
Celebrating our 15th year, the Enterprise Engagement Alliance helps organizations enhance performance through:
1. Information and marketing opportunities on stakeholder management and total rewards:
ESM Weekly on stakeholder management since 2009; click here for a media kit.
RRN Weekly on total rewards since 1996; click here for a EEA YouTube channel on enterprise engagement, human capital, and total rewards insights and how-to information since 2020.
2. Learning: Purpose Leadership and Stakeholder
Management Academy to enhance future equity value and performance for your organization.3. Books on implementation: Enterprise Engagement for CEOs and Enterprise Engagement: The Roadmap.
4. Advisory services and research: Strategic guidance, learning and certification on stakeholder management, measurement, metrics, and corporate sustainability reporting.
5. Permission-based targeted business development to identify and build relationships with the people most likely to buy.
6. Public speaking and meeting facilitation on stakeholder management. The world’s leading speakers on all aspects of stakeholder management across the enterprise.
