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J&P names rose for reverend Jan 17, 2000 12:00 AM A A Leslie Freytag, left, marketing vice president for Jackson & Perkins,presents Ruth Graham, wife of the Rev. Billy Graham, with a bouquet of rosesthat carry the name of her famous husband. AP photo Jackson & Perkins executives traveled to Montreat, N.C., on Thursdayto present a bouquet of Billy Graham roses to the evangelist's wife, Ruth. The light pink tea roses named for the well-known evangelist were developedby the Medford-based company's hybridizers. The Billy Graham roseis a fitting tribute to a man who consistently is named in polls as oneof the most admired Americans, said Leslie Freytag, vice presidentof marketing and merchandising for Jackson & Perkins. No evangelist's words can match the awe and wonder present in God'screation, Graham said. I hope this rose helps people realizethat. Jackson & Perkins, founded in 1872, is the world's largest rose companyand foremost producer of new varieties. It is a subsidiary of Bear CreekCorp. Other rose varieties commemorate John F. Kennedy, Barbara Bush and HenryFonda. Recently, a company spokesman said Jackson & Perkins is developinga Princess Diana rose. Today'sBusiness Index, J&P names rose for reverend