Jack B. Howard, age 70, of Winchester, MA, formerly of Tompkinsville, KY, died peacefully after a long, courageous struggle with brain cancer, on Monday, July 7, 2008. He was the husband of Carolyn Howard. They have resided in Winchester for 35 years. He was born and raised in Tompkinsville, KY. His early education was in a one-room school house which offered no science class. In spite of this, he moved on to the University of Kentucky and furthered his studies at Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a doctoral degree in the field of Fuel Technology in 1965. Jack then joined the MIT Department of Chemical Engineering as a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow. He was hired as the youngest Assistant Professor, teaching first year students Chemical Engineering, just as he studied the subject himself. As his career blossomed over the next thirty seven years he achieved tenure at MIT and an endowed Chair. He was such humble man, three weeks went by before telling his family about this great honor. In 1995, he was named the first holder of the Hoyt C. Hottel Chair of Chemical Engineering. Jack was a world-renowned expert on high temperature chemistry, especially mechanisms and kinetics of reactions in combustion, fuel processing, materials synthesis, and waste destruction. He made seminal contributions to many challenging research areas, including formation and oxidation polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes and soot in flames as well as pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of coal, biomass and solid waste. He was also the inventor of the combustion synthesis technology for fullerene production. Jack's expertise with these important issues, at the forefront of energy challenges facing the world, will be deeply missed by many colleagues around the world. Jack was not one to pause for long. After his retirement from MIT in 2002, he founded his own nanotechnology company, Nano-C, Inc., in Westwood, MA, a leading developer of nanostructured carbon materials, including fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and their chemical derivatives. He participated actively in this company which holds many patents in the field of nano-carbon technology that will continue to benefit scientific developments in years to come Jack was an avid hiker, reader, traveler, and had an enormous love for discovery – values he shared with his wife and children. He had a tremendous love for the Lord and before his passing he rejoiced in the testimony that he and his wife had written. On their behalf, Carolyn presented it before the congregation at Park Street Church in Boston, on June 29, 2008. He is survived by his daughter Courtenay Howard of Winchester, MA, his son Jonathan Howard and his spouse, Megan Coleman of Somerville, MA, and he was also grandfather-to-be. He was the son of Opal and the late Hugh Howard; brother of Keith Howard and his spouse, Paula; Myra Bushong; Bess Abney and her spouse, Roy; and the late Kenny Howard. Also, he was uncle and great-uncle to their many children. He was brother-in-law to Michael Butler and his spouse, Gwen; David Butler and his spouse, Vicki; Suzanne Butler and her spouse, Rob Conrad; and Jan Fisher Butler; as well as, uncle and great-uncle to their many children. His funeral will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 16th at Park Street Church, One Park Street, Boston, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A private burial for the family has been planned in Tompkinsville, KY. For those who wish to make donations, in lieu of flowers, they may be made to either of the following, in memory of Jack: 1. The Jack B. Howard Memorial Fund at MIT In-Patient Hospice Program, in care of Kathleen Dwyer, MIT Medical Department,
77 Massachusetts Avenue,
Cambridge, MA 02139;
2. The University of Kentucky,
College of Engineering, 251 Ralph G. Anderson Bldg, Lexington, KY 40506; or
3. The Missionary Program at Park Street Church, 1 Park Street, Boston, MA 02108. Today and always, his family celebrates Jack's life since he is eternally with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
UPDATES July 8, 2008
Jack's memorial service will be held on July 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Park St. Church in downtown Boston directly across the street from the Park St. Redline subway stop. The church is on the corner of Tremont St. and Park St. The best means of getting there is public transportation. The best parking is the Boston Common garage. We plan to have a reception afterwards at a place near the church that we are still working on. More details will follow.
Blessings,
Carolyn
Blessings,
Carolyn
Monday, July 7, 2008
UPDATES July 7, 2008 11:00 PM EST
July 7, 2007
11:00 PM EST
Jack went home to be with his Lord this morning at 11:05 AM. He died in his sleep shortly after I had come home after sleeping over night near him last evening. The nurses had gone in to turn him and bath him. He stopped breathing as they were settling him.
There is a wonderful hymn called “O That Will Be Glory”
It is based on Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present day are nothing compared to the glory to come.”
The Hymn words are as follows:
“When all my labors and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore will through the ages be glory for me.
When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and look on His face will through the ages be glory for me.
Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know, Will through the ages be glory for me.
O that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.”
As my 8 year old niece, Sydney, called to tell me today, “ Uncle Jack has finished the race, and has won the prize” - the prize of seeing his Lord face to face.
We are thankful for all of you that have traveled this journey with us. You made our burden so much lighter. Just know that we are rejoicing with a heavy heart as we are sure you are as well.
Arrangements for the services are pending and should be finalized in the next day or so. We plan to have a memorial service for Jack most likely next week in Boston with another service in September in KY. Burial will be private in KY.
Love and blessings to each of you,
Carolyn and family
From: Klavs F. Jensen [mailto:kfjensen@MIT.EDU] Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 1:29 PMTo: cheme-fac-sl-em@mit.edu; cheme-support@mit.edu; cheme-computerSubject: Jack Howard 1937-2008
It is with great sadness that I report that Jack Howard passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning after a long courageous struggle with brain cancer. Jack joined the department a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow after receiving his doctoral degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1965, and remained a very active and highly regarded member of the Department as assistant, associate and full professor until his retirement in 2002. In 1995 he was named the first holder of the Hoyt C. Hottel Chair of Chemical Engineering. Jack was a world-renowned expert on high temperature chemistry, especially mechanisms and kinetics of reactions in combustion, fuel processing, materials synthesis, and waste destruction. He made seminal contributions to many challenging research areas, including formation and oxidation polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes and soot in flames as well as pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of coal, biomass and solid waste. Jack’s expertise with these important issues at the forefront of energy challenges facing the world will be deeply missed.
He was also the inventor of the combustion synthesis technology for fullerene production and in 2001 founded the company Nano-C, a leading developer of nanostructured carbon materials, including fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and their chemical derivatives. He participated actively in this company after his retirement.
We will all miss Jack for his deep technical knowledge and his gentle, firm advice to students and faculty alike.
Jack and his family began this struggle with his brain tumor last summer. It has been a courageous battle with ups, downs, and at times some humor. Many of you have followed his struggle through the Howard Family Blog. Jack has had incredible support from his family. He was very blessed to have had them close by supporting him and one another. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Carolyn Howard, children, Courtenay and Jonathan, and his extended family. A memorial service is planned – more information will follow.
Klavs
Chair of Chemical Engineering Department
11:00 PM EST
Jack went home to be with his Lord this morning at 11:05 AM. He died in his sleep shortly after I had come home after sleeping over night near him last evening. The nurses had gone in to turn him and bath him. He stopped breathing as they were settling him.
There is a wonderful hymn called “O That Will Be Glory”
It is based on Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present day are nothing compared to the glory to come.”
The Hymn words are as follows:
“When all my labors and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore will through the ages be glory for me.
When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and look on His face will through the ages be glory for me.
Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know, Will through the ages be glory for me.
O that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.”
As my 8 year old niece, Sydney, called to tell me today, “ Uncle Jack has finished the race, and has won the prize” - the prize of seeing his Lord face to face.
We are thankful for all of you that have traveled this journey with us. You made our burden so much lighter. Just know that we are rejoicing with a heavy heart as we are sure you are as well.
Arrangements for the services are pending and should be finalized in the next day or so. We plan to have a memorial service for Jack most likely next week in Boston with another service in September in KY. Burial will be private in KY.
Love and blessings to each of you,
Carolyn and family
From: Klavs F. Jensen [mailto:kfjensen@MIT.EDU] Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 1:29 PMTo: cheme-fac-sl-em@mit.edu; cheme-support@mit.edu; cheme-computerSubject: Jack Howard 1937-2008
It is with great sadness that I report that Jack Howard passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning after a long courageous struggle with brain cancer. Jack joined the department a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow after receiving his doctoral degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1965, and remained a very active and highly regarded member of the Department as assistant, associate and full professor until his retirement in 2002. In 1995 he was named the first holder of the Hoyt C. Hottel Chair of Chemical Engineering. Jack was a world-renowned expert on high temperature chemistry, especially mechanisms and kinetics of reactions in combustion, fuel processing, materials synthesis, and waste destruction. He made seminal contributions to many challenging research areas, including formation and oxidation polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes and soot in flames as well as pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of coal, biomass and solid waste. Jack’s expertise with these important issues at the forefront of energy challenges facing the world will be deeply missed.
He was also the inventor of the combustion synthesis technology for fullerene production and in 2001 founded the company Nano-C, a leading developer of nanostructured carbon materials, including fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and their chemical derivatives. He participated actively in this company after his retirement.
We will all miss Jack for his deep technical knowledge and his gentle, firm advice to students and faculty alike.
Jack and his family began this struggle with his brain tumor last summer. It has been a courageous battle with ups, downs, and at times some humor. Many of you have followed his struggle through the Howard Family Blog. Jack has had incredible support from his family. He was very blessed to have had them close by supporting him and one another. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Carolyn Howard, children, Courtenay and Jonathan, and his extended family. A memorial service is planned – more information will follow.
Klavs
Chair of Chemical Engineering Department
UPDATES July 7, 2008
UPDATES
July 7, 2008
Jack is still with us. He appears to be in a deeper sleep than he has been. His breathing was more sporadic yesterday and last evening so I decided to spend the night at the infirmary. These gracious people provided me a room next to his. I was very grateful.
William came from midnight to 3:00 AM. I missed him since I apparently slept. Jack coughed several times in the night to clear his throat. The nurses said his cough was very strong.
This morning when I got up, his breathing rate had increased from 3-4 breaths every 37-40 seconds to 5 breaths every 30 seconds. His color is rosy; his hands and feet are warm. He is very peaceful as are we.
I came home this morning to eat breakfast and get ready to go back for the day. Jack’s heart and lungs are strong and were ready per Jonathan for another 25 years. Our Lord planned differently. We continue to wait on our Lord as he carries us through this amazing experience. We continue to praise our Lord for His tender mercy and grace. His timing is perfect.
We thank all of you for your care and prayers.
Love,
Carolyn and family
July 7, 2008
Jack is still with us. He appears to be in a deeper sleep than he has been. His breathing was more sporadic yesterday and last evening so I decided to spend the night at the infirmary. These gracious people provided me a room next to his. I was very grateful.
William came from midnight to 3:00 AM. I missed him since I apparently slept. Jack coughed several times in the night to clear his throat. The nurses said his cough was very strong.
This morning when I got up, his breathing rate had increased from 3-4 breaths every 37-40 seconds to 5 breaths every 30 seconds. His color is rosy; his hands and feet are warm. He is very peaceful as are we.
I came home this morning to eat breakfast and get ready to go back for the day. Jack’s heart and lungs are strong and were ready per Jonathan for another 25 years. Our Lord planned differently. We continue to wait on our Lord as he carries us through this amazing experience. We continue to praise our Lord for His tender mercy and grace. His timing is perfect.
We thank all of you for your care and prayers.
Love,
Carolyn and family
Sunday, July 6, 2008
UPDATES July 6, 2008
UPDATES
July 6, 2008
I spoke with the nurse this morning and Jack remains the same as yesterday. He was breathing about 8 breaths/minute with 32 second pauses before his breathing resumed. We thought yesterday was Jack’s resurrection day but the Lord tarries. He is comfortable and is medicated to ease the labored breathing.
One of his former students visited him yesterday. He is Mohommad Hajaligol. We had posted on the blog last fall a letter he had written to Jack that described how Jack had impacted him personally and professionally. Also, our dear friends, the Howells, from our Bible study, faithfully visit him each day. We thank all of you for your undying support and comfort.
I spoke with William Karaba last evening. William was Jack’s night caregiver. He asked if we minded if he came and sat with him last evening. William helped one of the night nurses turn and bath him. William, as well as Annette, who keeps calling to check on him, were wonderful caregivers who truly became part of our family.
I am posting an email from my sister-in-law Vicki that expresses it all:
Caroloyn:
As I was reading your blog this morning - it reminded me that this was one of the verses that we used in Vacation Bible School. This really addresses where Jack is in his race to the ultimate prize, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also reminded me of a verse in II Timothy 4:5-8 - when Paul was speaking to his son Timothy as Paul was dying - “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” This is Jack - he has fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith - he will surely be in the presence of the Lord - how glorious is that!
I wish I had had the opportunity to be around him a lot more than I was. But the few years that I was around him have made an enormous impact on me. At times, very slow and others very fast and the last few months, his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted my own spiritual growth... Praise be to God! The message you guys presented, I believe, will make a huge impact on lots of people
I love you and am keeping you all in my prayers - that is for the Lord to keep you and comfort you through these days.
Love,
Vicki
p.s. David, Matthew Ryan, Caleb and Sydney send their love!
We will continue to keep you posted. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband, Roy left yesterday. His sister, Myra and her family leave today. We are grateful for the time they have had with Jack. They all said that they got to say all the things they wanted to say. Truly, the blessing of cancer is the opportunity to say everything you want to say.
Carolyn and family
July 6, 2008
I spoke with the nurse this morning and Jack remains the same as yesterday. He was breathing about 8 breaths/minute with 32 second pauses before his breathing resumed. We thought yesterday was Jack’s resurrection day but the Lord tarries. He is comfortable and is medicated to ease the labored breathing.
One of his former students visited him yesterday. He is Mohommad Hajaligol. We had posted on the blog last fall a letter he had written to Jack that described how Jack had impacted him personally and professionally. Also, our dear friends, the Howells, from our Bible study, faithfully visit him each day. We thank all of you for your undying support and comfort.
I spoke with William Karaba last evening. William was Jack’s night caregiver. He asked if we minded if he came and sat with him last evening. William helped one of the night nurses turn and bath him. William, as well as Annette, who keeps calling to check on him, were wonderful caregivers who truly became part of our family.
I am posting an email from my sister-in-law Vicki that expresses it all:
Caroloyn:
As I was reading your blog this morning - it reminded me that this was one of the verses that we used in Vacation Bible School. This really addresses where Jack is in his race to the ultimate prize, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also reminded me of a verse in II Timothy 4:5-8 - when Paul was speaking to his son Timothy as Paul was dying - “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” This is Jack - he has fought the fight, finished the course and kept the faith - he will surely be in the presence of the Lord - how glorious is that!
I wish I had had the opportunity to be around him a lot more than I was. But the few years that I was around him have made an enormous impact on me. At times, very slow and others very fast and the last few months, his undying faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted my own spiritual growth... Praise be to God! The message you guys presented, I believe, will make a huge impact on lots of people
I love you and am keeping you all in my prayers - that is for the Lord to keep you and comfort you through these days.
Love,
Vicki
p.s. David, Matthew Ryan, Caleb and Sydney send their love!
We will continue to keep you posted. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband, Roy left yesterday. His sister, Myra and her family leave today. We are grateful for the time they have had with Jack. They all said that they got to say all the things they wanted to say. Truly, the blessing of cancer is the opportunity to say everything you want to say.
Carolyn and family
Saturday, July 5, 2008
UPDATES July 5, 2008
UPDATES
July 5, 2008
Jack continues to weaken. I spoke with the nurse this morning and her words were, “I think we are closer”. Jack was less responsive last evening. His breathing is slower and he is showing signs of edema on his back that is another sign. She also said that he was looking a little blue around his mouth meaning that his oxygen intake is lower.
Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrived last evening and were able to spend some time with him. His niece and great nephew, Michele and Jared, arrived yesterday morning and were also able to spend some time with him.
We continue to be upheld by the power of our Savior, thankfully. It makes me think of Phil. 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Jack will soon be in the arms of his beloved, Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
July 5, 2008
Jack continues to weaken. I spoke with the nurse this morning and her words were, “I think we are closer”. Jack was less responsive last evening. His breathing is slower and he is showing signs of edema on his back that is another sign. She also said that he was looking a little blue around his mouth meaning that his oxygen intake is lower.
Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrived last evening and were able to spend some time with him. His niece and great nephew, Michele and Jared, arrived yesterday morning and were also able to spend some time with him.
We continue to be upheld by the power of our Savior, thankfully. It makes me think of Phil. 3:14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Jack will soon be in the arms of his beloved, Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
Friday, July 4, 2008
UPDATES July 4, 2008
UPDATES
July 4, 2008
Happy July 4th.
Jack had a comfortable night last night per the nurses. They go in and turn him regularly. He communicated with them each time but went back to sleep. He became cool this morning and took a towel under his head and put around his shoulders. The nurse went in and asked him if he was cool and he indicated he was by blinking with his eyes after being asked if he was cool. Since speaking is so difficult for him, we have told him if the answer is yes to blink with his eyes which he does very easily. He is still so present. It makes for an easier time for him and us.
Jack had been on steroids since last fall to reduce brain swelling. Steroids cause a lot of fluid retention, a “moon” shaped face and abdomen swelling. These characteristics had somewhat altered his appearance making him look like he had put on a lot of weight which he really had not. After a picture that was made at Easter of himself that he saw, he asked who it was when he saw it. The medical team took him off of the steroids on Tuesday, so he is now releasing all of the fluid from this retention. You may remember back in the fall on the blog I told about a conversation with Jack about the amount he was urinating. He commented that it was a mass transfer issue and that the sum of the flows was zero. Well, the sum of the flows is negative now since there is no intake, just output. One of the striking things about Jack’s appearance yesterday is that he had lost a considerable amount of the “moon” look in is face. Based on the output last evening, I expect that he will have lost even more of that look now. Since steroids also cause agitation and irritability, coming off of them has helped with his peacefulness for which we are very thankful.
He sleeps more now. Yesterday when a now retired MIT and Nano-C colleague, Tony Modestino, came in to visit him, he not only acknowledged him but told him “that it was very good, as always, to see him. He also thanked him for coming”. Amazing is all I can say.
Jack’s niece, Michele, and her son Jared arrive this morning. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrive this evening. Boston is insane today with major roads closed and about one million people coming into the city for the famous July 4th celebration on the Charles River Esplanade. Many of you may be able to see it on TV this evening. The infirmary is across the street from the Cambridge side of the river. We will likely not stay around for the fireworks since we would then spend 2 hours driving about 8 miles in going home.
We continue to “wait for the Lord, my (our) soul doth wait, and in His word do I (we) hope.
Psalm 130:5
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
July 4, 2008
Happy July 4th.
Jack had a comfortable night last night per the nurses. They go in and turn him regularly. He communicated with them each time but went back to sleep. He became cool this morning and took a towel under his head and put around his shoulders. The nurse went in and asked him if he was cool and he indicated he was by blinking with his eyes after being asked if he was cool. Since speaking is so difficult for him, we have told him if the answer is yes to blink with his eyes which he does very easily. He is still so present. It makes for an easier time for him and us.
Jack had been on steroids since last fall to reduce brain swelling. Steroids cause a lot of fluid retention, a “moon” shaped face and abdomen swelling. These characteristics had somewhat altered his appearance making him look like he had put on a lot of weight which he really had not. After a picture that was made at Easter of himself that he saw, he asked who it was when he saw it. The medical team took him off of the steroids on Tuesday, so he is now releasing all of the fluid from this retention. You may remember back in the fall on the blog I told about a conversation with Jack about the amount he was urinating. He commented that it was a mass transfer issue and that the sum of the flows was zero. Well, the sum of the flows is negative now since there is no intake, just output. One of the striking things about Jack’s appearance yesterday is that he had lost a considerable amount of the “moon” look in is face. Based on the output last evening, I expect that he will have lost even more of that look now. Since steroids also cause agitation and irritability, coming off of them has helped with his peacefulness for which we are very thankful.
He sleeps more now. Yesterday when a now retired MIT and Nano-C colleague, Tony Modestino, came in to visit him, he not only acknowledged him but told him “that it was very good, as always, to see him. He also thanked him for coming”. Amazing is all I can say.
Jack’s niece, Michele, and her son Jared arrive this morning. Jack’s sister, Bess and her husband Roy arrive this evening. Boston is insane today with major roads closed and about one million people coming into the city for the famous July 4th celebration on the Charles River Esplanade. Many of you may be able to see it on TV this evening. The infirmary is across the street from the Cambridge side of the river. We will likely not stay around for the fireworks since we would then spend 2 hours driving about 8 miles in going home.
We continue to “wait for the Lord, my (our) soul doth wait, and in His word do I (we) hope.
Psalm 130:5
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
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