Exhibit 99

         J. M. Smucker Announces Extension of Voluntary Odd-Lot Program

    ORRVILLE, Ohio, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The J. M. Smucker
Company (NYSE: SJM) today announced the extension of its previously announced
voluntary odd-lot program which will allow shareholders with fewer than 100
shares to either sell all of their shares or to purchase additional shares to
increase their holdings to 100 shares.
    The program, administered by Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc.,
will continue to be in effect from November 13, 2004 through December 17,
2004, unless earlier terminated.  Questions should be directed to Georgeson
Shareholder Communications Inc., toll-free at (888) 288-6984.  The Company is
making no recommendation to shareholders as to whether or not they should act
upon this program.

    About The J. M. Smucker Company
    The J. M. Smucker Company was founded in 1897 when the Company's namesake
and founder sold his first product -- apple butter -- from the back of a
horse-drawn wagon.  Today, over a century later, the Company is the market
leader in fruit spreads, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream
toppings, and health and natural foods beverages in North America under such
icon brands as Smucker's(R), Jif(R), and Crisco(R).  In June 2004, the Company
expanded its family of products to include such brands as Pillsbury(R) baking
mixes and ready-to-spread frostings; Hungry Jack(R) pancake mixes, syrups and
potato side dishes; and Martha White(R) baking mixes and ingredients in the
U.S., along with Robin Hood(R) flour and baking mixes and Bick's(R) pickles
and condiments in Canada.  For over 107 years, The J. M. Smucker Company has
been headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, and has been family run for four
generations.  The J. M. Smucker Company was recognized as the top company in
FORTUNE Magazine's 2003 annual survey of The 100 Best Companies to Work For
and has ranked consistently in the top 25 companies each year since FORTUNE
began the list in 1998.  The J. M. Smucker Company has over 4,500 employees
worldwide and distributes products in more than 45 countries.

SOURCE  J. M. Smucker Company
    -0-                             11/12/2004
    /CONTACT:  Ann Harlan Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, or
Sonal Robinson, Director, Shareholder Relations, both of The J. M. Smucker
Company, +1-330-682-3000/
    /Web site:  http://www.smuckers.com /
    (SJM)

CO:  J. M. Smucker Company; Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc.
ST:  Ohio
IN:  FOD REA
SU: