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Memorial services for Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist John Jackman were over the weekend with the professor remembered not just for being a pioneer in using computers to predict insect outbreak problems, but also for his contagious smile and infectious laugh.
Jackman, who died suddenly at his home Thursday, joined AgriLife Extension in 1976 and held a dual position as a professor in the entomology department at Texas A&M.
He spent most of his childhood in Michigan, where he developed his love and fascination with insects, according to colleagues, who said he earned all three degrees through a doctorate in entomology from Michigan State University.
"John was known and loved by everyone who crossed his path," said Dr. Kevin Heinz, A&M's entomology department head.
Jackman spread his knowledge of insects to the world through his two published field guides, his extensive Web site and as an entomology professor, Heinz said. "He developed a one-of-a-kind course that taught budding entomologists the delicate art of fly tying, his beloved hobby."
Jackman recently was awarded the inaugural Friends of IPM Lifetime Achievement Award, by the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center, "for years of significant contributions to integrated pest management work in the southern region."
For years he has been providing educational materials electronically to further expand his own educational projects as well as those of his colleagues to a worldwide presence, friends said.
Jackman was active in the Brazos Valley Master Gardener program, the Brazos Valley Fly Fisherman's Club and as faculty adviser to the Eagle Scout Club.
He is survived by his wife Linda and sons Paul and Kevin, son and daughter-in-law Ben and Heather, granddaughter Madeline, mother Nina, and many other family members and friends.
Go to www.legacy.com/theeagle/Obituaries.asp to view the obituary and to sign Jackman's online guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations to be made in Jackman's name to the Texas A&M Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America or a charity of choice.
