Dr. Harold H. Jaus

Charlotte - Harold Henry Jaus, 73, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, November 1, 2015, with his family at his side. Hal was born June 2, 1942 in Niagara Falls, New York, to the late Frederic Hale Jaus and Leona Nellie Sherlock Jaus.

Hal grew up in Lewiston, NY. He attended Florida State University on a baseball scholarship, graduating in 1964 with a BS in biology and then a MEd in science education. He began his long career as an outstanding teacher at North Florida Junior College in Madison, FL where he was a science instructor and assistant baseball coach 1966-1970. Hal earned a doctorate in science education at Indiana University in 1973, where he was honored with the outstanding graduate assistant teaching award. At Purdue University 1973-1986, Hal rose to the rank of Associate Professor in the field of science education and received the MCL Excellence in Teaching Award. The National Association for the Education of Teachers of Science named him the Outstanding Science Educator of 1978. Hal joined the faculty at UNC Charlotte in 1986, where he continued to exhibit his love of teaching and dedication to preparing effective science teachers. Hal was recognized as a finalist for the Bank of America Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004, 2007, and 2012. He served as department chair, worked with schools throughout the region, served as a sponsor of the Teaching Fellows program, and was a devoted faculty advisor to many students. Although Hal retired as Professor Emeritus in 2012, many of his former students continue to attest to his positive influence on them.

Hal loved many things in addition to teaching—his dear daughters, his sweet grandchildren, and traveling with Vicki. He wanted to return to Maine, Paris, Germany, Quebec, and Blowing Rock. He spent time observing the birds, reading, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and old movies; he liked cats, crossword puzzles, sport car convertibles, history of the Greeks, Romans and Middle Ages, Johnny Mathis, and sweaters. He was a quick wit and a good man.

Hal is survived by his wife of 47 years Victoria Page Jaus, daughters Jennifer Page Jaus and Margaret Nell Jaus Baldwin and husband Benjamin; two grandchildren, Miller Jaus Baldwin and Margaret Blythe Baldwin, all of Charlotte; sister Glenna Jaus Andrews of Mt. Dora, FL; brother Fredric Stephen Jaus of Green Valley, AZ; and nephews Scott Andrews, Kirk Andrews, and Stephen Jaus.

Hal's family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270. A memorial service to honor his life will follow on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Hal's love and spirit will continue with us while his body will serve medical research. Memorials may be made to the College of Education, UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte NC 28223 or https://giving.uncc.edu; the Carolinas Transplant Center Fund, 1221 East Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28204 or www.GiveCarolinas.org/get-involved/donate; or to the charity of your choice.