Jackson Rea Herring

Jackson Rea Herring passed away peacefully on Thursday May 26th, 2022, at the age of 90 after a brief illness in Boulder, Colorado. He was born on October 02, 1931, in Louisville, Kentucky to Dr. Ralph Alderman Herring Sr and his wife Mary Willeen Tull. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Betty Jean Pegram, and his brother David Herring of La Jolla, CA. He is survived by two sons Peter Rea Herring of Peterborough, UK and Christopher Jackson Herring of San Francisco, CA and two grandchildren Christian Herring of San Francisco, CA and Natasha May Herring of Bishops Stortford, UK. He also is survived by a brother, Ralph Herring Jr of Raleigh, NC and a sister Margaret Herring of East Walpole, MA.

Jack received his PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1959 in Nuclear Physics and then began his career at Goddard Space Flight Center. The family moved to the foothills of Boulder, Colorado in 1972 where Jack was an ASP visitor at NCAR for one year before he began permanent work there as a Senior Scientist until his retirement in 1998. During his time at NCAR he published extensively in atmospheric science and turbulence theory. Jack's research influenced atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and the geophysical fluid dynamics communities at large in the 1970s, 80s and beyond. Jack worked on convection, two- and three-dimensional turbulence, intermittency, and direct and large-eddy simulation. Most important, Jack was known for his open-door policy and gentle manner. Because of his reputation and demeanour, Jack attracted numerous foreign and domestic visitors and students to NCAR. Former ASP post-docs recall the enthusiasm, curiosity and respect Jack showed them during and after their studies. It was Southern hospitality at its finest, no mint julep required! Jack was also instrumental in many international collaborations in these fields.

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 all of us remember him playing and cherished. 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.

Throughout their marriage, he and Betty were active members in various Quaker Friends Meetings around the country in NYC, Maryland and finally at the Boulder Friends meeting from 1972 onwards. They met many wonderful lifelong friends and found great fellowship there.

He will be deeply missed by all.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the HERRING family.