Jackson Rea Herring

Herring—Jackson Rea Herring, 90, on May 26, 2022, peacefully, after a brief illness, in Boulder, Colo. Jack was born on October 2, 1931, to Ralph Alderman Herring Sr. and Mary Willeen Tull in Louisville, Ky.

Jack received his doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of North Carolina in 1959. At the university, he met Betty Jean Pegram, a Quaker. They were married for 62 years.

Jack started his career at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. As they started their family, Jack and Betty joined Adelphi (Md.) Meeting. They later joined Riverside Meeting, which met at Riverside Church in New York City. In 1972, Jack was invited to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo. He was named a senior scientist there in 1973, publishing extensively in atmospheric science and turbulence theory. His research influenced atmospheric and oceanic sciences and the geophysical fluid community. His open-door policy, deep knowledge, and gentle manner attracted many foreign and domestic visitors and students to NCAR. Jack retired in 1998.

Jack and Betty joined Boulder Meeting in 1972. Though not members of the founding generation, they were warmly acknowledged elders of the community. Jack devoted many years of service to the Building and Grounds Committee and, like Betty, played an important role in the meeting’s remodeling project.

The unique mountainous location of Boulder and bicycle-friendly community allowed Jack to fully enjoy his love of cycling, and he regularly cycled to work and enjoyed trips on his bicycle to Viele Lake, where he monitored the geese migrations to the tune of classical music, most notably Glenn Gould performances. His love of classical music inspired him to build his own harpsichord, which many remember him playing and cherishing. He also loved to play the recorder, a type of flute. As an avid hiker, he enjoyed hiking the many trails in the surrounding area. He also liked to go camping in the high country in the summers with friends and family and cross-country skiing every winter.

Jack was a quiet man, unfailingly gentle and observant. He was indeed one of those Friends whose ministry took the form of a worshipful yet watchful silence that deepened the corporate experience by helping to keep it centered in waiting on the Light. His faithful presence at meeting for worship and his kind, unassuming nature inspired everyone who knew him.

Jack was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Betty Herring (see previous milestone); and his brother, David Herring. He is survived by two children, Peter Rea Herring and Christopher Jackson Herring; two grandchildren; a brother, Ralph Herring Jr.; and a sister, Margaret Herring.