Written on: March 31, 2026 by SprayTM
John Henry Ferring IV, born November 9, 1952, died suddenly on March 2, 2026, following a cardiac arrest.
John was a graduate of St. Louis Country Day School, Class of 1971, and Brown University, Class of 1975. He began his career in banking at the First National Bank of Boston, an experience that provided the ideal training for eventually leading his family’s company, Plaze Inc., a contract packaging business founded by his father, Bud Ferring.
Over the course of 45 years, John grew Plaze’s profits through his diligent attention to customer service and building a work culture that set the bar high. He was a leader of great integrity who built and mentored a formidable work team. With a focus on product quality and customer service he built a unique short run model that no one had mastered yet and then led it through multiple acquisitions and partners to become a multi-billion industry leader. His strong work ethic had been part of his DNA since childhood. His ability to make it all look easy was enviable and served him well not only in his professional life but also, in his civic life.
John was a quiet and humble force behind many nonprofit organizations. Strategic, thoughtful, and a careful listener, he was a trusted advisor to many of the leading cultural institutions in St. Louis, MO.
Of the all the roles he played, his favorites were being Dad to his sons and “Poppie” to his grandchildren, Emma Gray Ferring, Cameron Fay Ferring and Hayes Henry Ferring.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of nearly fifty years, Alison Nichols Ferring; their three sons, Nick Ferring, Will Ferring and Brooks Ferring.
John will be remembered for his integrity, humility, and generosity of spirit. His steady presence, wise counsel, and deep love for his family and community will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Source: Ferring family
