John Victor Jokinen, a 58-year furniture industry veteran and co-founder of high-end furniture manufacturer E.J. Victor, died June 28 at age 81.
Jokinen joined Henredon Furniture in Morganton in 1979, after previously starting his career as a sales representative for Simmons 12 years earlier. He credited his mentor, Henredon President William E. Smith, for shaping his knowledge of the furniture industry.
In 1989, Jokinen, Edward W. Phifer III and Joseph B. Manderson co-founded E.J. Victor, along with help from others, including former Henredon executives. Jokinen served in executive roles with the company for 34 years, including as CEO, until 2021. He pivoted from a day-to-day operational and leadership role last year to focus more on strategy and direction as a board chair.
Last year, E.J. Victor laid off 121 workers, almost all of its employees in Morganton, due to damage to its manufacturing site received during Hurricane Helene. E.J. Victor filed a federal lawsuit against its insurer, Fireman’s Fund Insurance, which had denied the company’s claim.
In May, a federal judge ruled in E.J. Victor’s favor in a pre-trial hearing, finding the company’s insurance policy included an exception that works in its favor, according to The Paper, a Burke County newspaper. E.J. Victor also has a showroom in High Point.
Company officials did not return telephone and email messages seeking comment on Thursday. The company remains in business and continues to ship furniture. On its website, the company asks its customers to support its employees and thanks them for their “patience and support while we come back online with local infrastructure.”
Jokinen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Huntie Hall Jokinen, two children and six grandchildren. Sossoman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, July 17, at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King St., Morganton.