Ron Jeffries, the founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, has passed away, according to a recent Facebook post from his son, Daemon Jeffries. Though based in Dexter, Michigan, Jolly Pumpkin gained a strong foothold in northern Michigan thanks to its taproom location on Old Mission Peninsula and its partnership with North Peak Brewing Company, one of Traverse City’s first craft breweries.

“Ron was not only a loving family man but also a creative genius and lifelong learner,” Daemon wrote on Facebook. “He dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge, serving as a mentor in the brewing industry. As a legacy brewer and the founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, his contributions to the craft are immeasurable.”

According to the Jolly Pumpkin website, Jeffries “began studying brewing science in 1991 with one eye always towards opening his own brewery.” He officially started his professional brewing career in 1995, “and quickly became a well-known and respected brewer in Michigan’s emerging craft beer scene.” In 2004, he founded Jolly Pumpkin along with his wife Laurie.

For five years, Jolly Pumpkin had no taproom location. That changed in 2009, but not with a customer-facing operation at its brewing headquarters in Dexter. Instead, the company set up shop at Bowers Harbor Inn on Old Mission Peninsula, in the space formerly occupied by The Bowery restaurant. Jolly Pumpkin added a second location that same year in Ann Arbor. These days, the business also has locations in Dexter, East Lansing, and Detroit.

Beyond the Bowers Harbor location, Jolly Pumpkin is linked to Traverse City thanks to its status as part of Northern United Brewing Company. North Peak Brewing Company is under the same ownership umbrella.

“He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him,” Daemon’s post concluded.