Jon Frederick Ort

He leaves his father Lewis Ort, his stepson Brad Thompson and his wife Cristi, his daughters Katie and Hunter Ort, their mother Debbie Ort, and many close family and friends. His mother Kathryn Ort precedes him.

Jon was born in Bryan, Ohio on March 26th, 1948 and attended Ohio State University where he received three degrees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) in Zoology and Poultry Nutrition. He recently retired after 30 years of service at North Carolina State University where he most recently served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Extension, Engagement and Economic Development, and Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University as well as the Director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Dr. Ort joined NC State University in 1979 as Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator in the Department of Poultry Science. He was then promoted to Associate Professor in 1984, and in 1988, he was promoted to Executive Director of the CALS Alumni Society and Assistant Director of Academic Programs. In 1989, he became Director of the Agricultural Institute and Professor of Poultry Science. He went on to become Assistant Dean in 1991 and was promoted to Assistant Vice Chancellor, Associate Dean and Director of the NC Cooperative Extension Service in 1995 where he served until his retirement in 2010. He was named to NCSU’s Academy of Outstanding Teachers (1984, 1986), Outstanding Faculty Member in the Agricultural Institute (1980, 1981, 1982), awarded the USDA Honor Award for Superior Service (1997, 2000), and many other honors and recognitions for his service in the fields of academics and academic administration. He also served on numerous boards and committees at the local, regional, and national levels.

Jon’s greatest loves were his children, family and the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter, boating enthusiast, talented musician, high school athlete and a wonderful friend to many. He enjoyed travelling with his family and spending time with his mother and father.

A visitation will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC on Thursday, April 7th from 6:00-8:00pm.

There will be a funeral service at Cary Presbyterian on Friday, April 8th at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Apex Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made in Jon’s memory to the Dr. Jon Ort Family Scholarship Award, Box 7645 NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695.

Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www.brownwynnecary.com