Discover Entomology at Texas A&M University - Feature - Department Remembers Dr. John Jackman

Dr. John Jackman

Dr. Jackman (right) receiving an award from the Texas Pecan Growers Association Dr. John Jackman(far right) with Dr. Tom Fuchs(left), Bill Ree and Dr. Marvin Harris with their awards received at the 2008 Texas Pecan Growers Association meeting.

John shows MG specialist trainees how to wrangle bugs from a net. Dr. Jackman (right) showing Master Gardener specialist trainees how to wrangle bugs from a net during a class in insect collecting methods in 2003. Photo by Mike Merchant.

Department Remembers Dr. John Jackman

Dr. John Jackman, Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist, died suddenly at his home on Aug. 28.

Born in Mt. Clemmons, Mich., on March 30, 1948, Jackman spent most of his childhood in Michigan, where he developed his love and fascination with insects, according to colleagues.

He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in entomology from Michigan State University. Jackman joined AgriLife Extension in 1976 and had a joint appointment with both AgriLife Extension and AgriLife Research.

“John was known and loved by everyone who crossed his path. His smile was contagious, and his laugh infectious,” said Dr. Kevin Heinz, 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, he said.

“He developed a one-of-a-kind course that taught budding entomologists the delicate art of fly tying, his beloved hobby,” Heinz noted.

Jackman received many awards during his career capped by receiving 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.”

He was a pioneer in using computers to predict insect outbreak problems and providing educational materials electronically to further expand his own educational projects as well as those of his colleagues to a worldwide presence.

Jackman was also 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to be made in Jackman's name to the Texas A&M Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America or another charity of choice.