John M. Seiner Sr.

Dr. John M. "Jack" Seiner, age 66, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2010 in Oxford, Mississippi. He had been serving as the Director of the Jamie L. Whitten National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. He was a native of Philadelphia, PA and was a resident of Virginia since 1974.

Jack received a Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State in 1974. He began his career in jet noise research at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton in 1974, joining the Noise Control Branch as a Research Engineer. By 1982 he had become the leader of the Jet Noise Team of the Aeroacoustics Branch. While at NASA he conducted research that would earn him the respect of his fellow researchers and accolades of international scope.

After retiring from NASA in 1998, Jack moved to Oxford, MS to join the NCPA as Associate Director of Applied Research. His Aeroacoustics group became involved in a variety of exciting research projects sponsored by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. In 2009 Jack was appointed as Director of the NCPA. He loved experimental research and secured funding, designed, and built a unique and productive jet noise facility and wind tunnel system at the NCPA. He provided his coworkers with an environment for learning and growth, never trying to constrain their opportunities but encouraging them to expand their boundaries.

While he was passionate about his work, he was equally devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He traveled extensively for speaking engagements and always allowed time to enjoy the local cultures. He was an avid boater and enjoyed spending time on the water with his family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Lois Seiner; daughters, Pamela Hart (Jason), Karena Seiner, and Sandra Crouse (Matt); son, John M. Seiner, Jr. (Jo); six grandchildren; brother, George Seiner (Faye); and sister, Marie Fleming (Bob); and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 7:30 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Jack's life will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, at 2 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of comfort with the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.