Vijuk, 68, Co-Founder of Vijuk Equipment, Passes

JACKSONVILLE, FL—Joe Vijuk, a co-founder of Vijuk Equipment and a former professional football player, died July 2 at Baptist Medical Center. He was 68.

Mr. Vijuk was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and as a child, his family fled Yugoslavia for Canada. He was raised in Windsor, Ontario, where he excelled in sports. Mr. Vijuk earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Hillsdale College, and then went on to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Mr. Vijuk and his father then started a family business, Vijuk Equipment, which would become a leading distributor of folding and finishing equipment in Elmhurst, IL. He grew the business into an international company, while also being granted over 40 patents for personal inventions.

After 40 successful years, in 2012, Mr. Vijuk sold the company and started JMV Industries of Amelia Island, FL, a company that acquired and managed commercial real estate. He served as president and CEO of JMV Industries until his passing.

Mr. Vijuk is survived by his wife Drenda Lee Vijuk, a nephew and two nieces.