Today in Disney History: Jack Lindquist Born In Illinois

Jack Lindquist was born on this day in 1927, in Chicago Illinois. After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force for a couple years before attending the University of Southern California. He was working in the advertising business in Los Angeles, California when he received a call from Milt Albright asking for suggestions of an available advertising manager and he suggested himself. So just about two months after the opening of Disneyland he was now an employee.

He started as Disneyland’s first Advertising Manager and held various positions over his career including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment, overseeing the parks in the United States as well as Tokyo Disneyland and then Euro Disney, now Disneyland Paris. He ended his career as the first President of Disneyland from 1990-1993. Jack retired from The Walt Disney Company on November 18, 1993 after 38 years with the company. 

Some of his contributions to Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company through the years included, advance ticket sales for New Years Eve events, Grad Nite at Disneyland, park anniversary tie-ins and giveaways, “I’m Going to Disneyland” ad campaign and Disney Dollars just to mention a few. 

Jack was honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland on the second story of City Hall that reads, “J.B. Lindquist Honorary Mayor of Disneyland - Jack of all trades - Master of Fun.” He was named a Disney Legend in 1994, in the Attractions category. 

In 2010, Jack published his autobiography, “In Service to the Mouse: My Unexpected Journey to Becoming Disneyland’s First President: A Memoir.”

Jack passed away on February 28, 2016 in Anaheim, California from natural causes. He was 88 years old. 

Source(s): Disney Legends (D23.com), Remembering Disney Legend Jack Lindquist (Disney Parks Blog), Jack Lindquist, First President of Disneyland, Dies at 88 (Variety.com)