YAKIMA, WA - It is with the deepest of condolences that we share with the industry that longtime produce industry member Chris Jevne passed away on Friday, November 19. He held the title of Senior Produce Sourcing Manager at Walmart and formerly worked in different roles within the potato industry.

Jevne is remembered by industry friends for his passion, kindness, and attitude when it comes to building lasting relationships and ensuring the integrity of the produce supply chain.

“Chris was truly a renaissance man with his vast industry knowledge. He valued making sure all parties from supplier to the end consumer were treated fairly. Chris made sure to forge and strengthen those relationships that made him the stalwart gentleman we all had come to respect and love. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. His impact on our industry will always remain a standard for us to live up too,” Eric Beck, Director of Marketing at Wada Farms, told us.

A report from Spudman states that Jevne had held his role at Walmart since 2010, a testament to how this industry luminary managed to forge such strong bonds with those he worked alongside. Prior to his time at Walmart, Jevne worked as Sales Manager at the potato grower-shipper co-op Basin Gold for over eight years.

Jevne got his start in the produce industry as a sales team member at Volm Companies, where he stayed for two years until 1994. Afterward, he worked as an Outside Sales Professional at Columbia Packaging for six years. He held a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

“Everyone at Country Sweet Produce is just so incredibly saddened by this. Chris was the best. His big smile and outgoing nature made all the work together an absolute joy. We want to extend all the support and sympathy to his wife, daughters, and his fine colleagues at Walmart. Chris Jevne will be remembered as a true gentleman of our industry,” said Michael Valpredo, President, Country Sweet Produce.

Jevne’s memorial service will be held on December 3, and friends, family members, and colleagues may share memories of him here. We offer our thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved this industry leader.