Dr. Jerry Shook

8/13/48-11/11/11

Friday, 11/11/11, the world lost a hero, and the heavens gained a very bright star.

Dr. Jerry Shook, born in Battle Creek, Michigan, August 13, 1948, made his peaceful journey to the other side of life on 11/11/11. His wife and pet children were by his side as he lost his 11 month battle with lung cancer.

Educated at Western Michigan University, he took his Masters in experimental psychology at WMU in 1975. He then went on to take his Ph.D. in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis in 1981.

Jerry was a powerful advocate for anyone with developmental disabilities and autism. He created a credentialing board, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), 15 years ago, to give validity and credentialing to those who worked with individuals with autism, as well as developmental disabilities. He always said, testing and credentialing gives the best possible care to those who can’t speak for themselves.

He was a pioneer in this field, traveling for decades to all corners of the globe, and countless state governments and teaching institutions, educating people on the BACB requirements and certification, in general.

Over 200 university programs now teach the BACB course content. There are 200 U.S. testing sites, and 150 non-U.S. testing sites. Nearly 50 countries now boast of Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The test has even been translated into Chinese and Spanish.

Today the BACB credentials have given education, credibility, and training to over 10,000 certificants worldwide. Through these certificants, Jerry’s dream and vision was realized, a voice and an advocate have been given to those who could not speak for themselves.

In 63 short years his contribution to the field of behavior analysis was nothing short of legendary for the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Yet, if he were with us still today, he would deflect this praise to others in his usual quiet, humble manner.

Jerry was an active member of the Northern California 356 club, C.A.R. He loved all cars, but especially his ’64 Ivory over red 356 coupe.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he moved to Auburn, California in 2009, so he could live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and be close to Lake Tahoe, a place that was very special to him in all seasons.

In the short time he lived here, his friends and neighbors became his great blessing.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 24 years, BJ Quinn, and his beloved dog, Teddy Bert, as well as his mother, Candace Shook, his sister, Judy Graham, his brother-in-laws and sister-in-law, countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Ramon Shook.

A memorial service, celebrating this wonderful life, will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., at Chapel of the Hills, 1331 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA. An additional memorial service will be held in Tallahassee, FL in January. Please check www.chapelofthehills-auburn.com for future details and to sign the online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to the National Lung Cancer Partnership in Honor of Dr. Jerry Shook, at http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/donate/commemorations.

Dr. Shook was a futurist thinker and leader. He died too young, but he left a great legacy for families and children with autism and developmental disabilities. His bright light of love, compassion and grace will shine long into the future.