Jerome York, Apple director, dies at 71

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PONTIAC, Mich., March 18 (UPI) -- Jerome B. York, a director at Apple Inc. who was said to be critically ill in a Michigan hospital, died Thursday, Apple said. He was 71.

"With deep sadness we announce the loss of a member of our corporate family and dear friend, Jerry York," the announcement said. "Jerry courageously joined Apple's Board of Directors in 1997, when many doubted the company's future, and contributed his extraordinary character, business expertise and leadership to help guide Apple for over a decade."

York, a former auto industry executive, suffered from a burst brain aneurysm, a source told The Wall Street Journal. Family members had gathered at the Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, the Journal said.

York graduated from West Point and earned a reputation as an aide to billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian and as an expert for bringing a wobbling company back to viability. He worked as the chief financial officer at International Business Machines and Chrysler.

"In each case, he has made a major contribution to restoring those companies to being the best they can be," said Robert Miller, another turnover specialist.