John P. “Jack” Jekowski of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on July 28, 2026, following a brief illness. His beloved wife, Mary Ann, followed him in death on September 24, 2026. Jack leaves behind a legacy of professional achievement, community leadership, and unwavering dedication to education, science, technology, and public service.

Jack built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, national security, scientific research, and economic development. Throughout his professional life, he brought together echnical expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to strengthening the institutions and communities he served.

Jack graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. From 1970 to 1980, he pursued graduate coursework in advanced mathematics and astronomy at the University of New Mexico. He continued his professional development throughout his career, completing training in total quality management, Six Sigma, senior leadership, scenario planning, and other disciplines.

In 1997, Jack became a founding principal partner of Innovative Technology Partnerships, LLC (ITP). Under his leadership, the firm provided consulting services to the U.S. Department of Energy, national laboratories, Fortune 500 companies, and other organizations. ITP also helped bridge the digital divide by providing computer and satellite technology to rural communities and school districts in New Mexico and Arizona.

Before founding ITP, Jack served as director of strategic planning, business development, and government relations for Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, the largest nonnuclear manufacturing facility in the Department of Energy’s weapons complex.

Earlier, beginning in 1994, he served as vice president and Sandia program manager for EG&G Energy Measurements, Inc. In that role, he managed a 300-person operation at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and a 150-person operation in Las Vegas, Nevada. These operations supported the former Defense Nuclear Agency and Sandia National Laboratories’ nuclear weapons testing activities, the Department of Energy’s Transportation Safeguards program, and other national security initiatives.

Jack also managed engineering research and development activities for EG&G in Los Alamos, New Mexico, supporting scientific experiments at national laboratories and the Nevada Test Site. His work contributed to critical national research and security programs, reflecting the technical knowledge and leadership that characterized his career.

Beyond his corporate and technical responsibilities, Jack became deeply involved in shaping public understanding and policy related to science, national security, and international affairs. He delivered national presentations on the digital divide and assisted with telecommunications legislation in New Mexico. He also developed scenarios for the Department of Energy, national laboratories, and nonprofit organizations addressing the future of science, global security, nonproliferation, weapons of mass destruction, and the implications of national security policy on arms control agreements.

Jack’s professional contributions extended to writing and scholarship. His publications included “Preparing the Next Generation Nuclear Stewards,” published in the Journal of Nuclear Materials Management in Winter 2002, and “Post 9/11 Scenarios: The Future of Global Security,” presented as a paper at the Spring 2002 Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Southwest Chapter meeting. These works reflected his interest in preparing future leaders and examining the complex challenges facing science and national security.

While Jack’s professional accomplishments were substantial, his commitment to New Mexico’s communities was equally important. He believed in the power of education, the value of scientific literacy, and the importance of developing opportunities for future generations. He dedicated considerable time and energy to organizations working to improve education, strengthen the economy, and expand access to science and technology.

Jack was active in more than twenty New Mexico community outreach and business organizations and was a founding board member and officer of several. His service included leadership and participation in the following organizations:

• Regional Development Corporation, supporting regional economic development in Northern New Mexico and community advancement. Jack served as Past Chair and was currently Secretary and member of the executive committee.
  
• New Mexico EPSCoR – A program of the National Science Foundation to stimulate competitive research. Jack served as Co-Chair and provided volunteer service for 25 years.
  
• New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, Inc., (MESA) where he served as past president and board member.
  
• NM Excellence in Learning, advancing educational quality and student achievement.
  
• Coalition for Math and Science Excellence, promoting stronger mathematics and science education.
  
• New Mexico First, Inc., where he served as an Implementation Committee chair, board member, and member of the executive committee.
  
• New Mexico Partnership for Math and Science Education, where he served on the board.
  
• Albuquerque Math Science and Technology Initiative, where he served as past chair and on the
  steering committee.
  
• Albuquerque TVI Workforce Training Center, where he served on the advisory board.
  
• Middle Rio Grande Business and Education Collaborative, where he served as chair.
  
• NASA Linking Leaders Initiative and Next Generation Economy, where he participated ieffortsconnecting leadership, education, and economic development.
  
• Technology Industries Association of New Mexico, where he served as past president and board member.
  
• TechConex NM, where he was a founding member, vice president, and chair of the Education Committee.
  
• Institute for Nuclear Materials Management, where he formerly served as historian and contributed to the organization’s professional mission. Posthumously, Jack was awarded the The Edway R. Johnson Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have provided long-term, outstanding service to the Institute, as well as made noteworthy contributions to the nuclear materials management profession.
  
• Association of Commerce and Industry, where he served on the board and executive committee.
  
• Los Alamos Committee on Arms Control and International Security, where he served as a memberThese affiliations demonstrate the breadth of Jack’s interests and the depth of his commitment to public service.
  
  Whether advancing educational initiatives, supporting workforce development, strengthening New Mexico
  businesses, or contributing to discussions about national and international security, he consistently worked to bring
  people and ideas together in pursuit of meaningful progress.
  
  Jack’s life was defined by intellectual curiosity, professional excellence, and a willingness to serve. He understood that the advancement of science and technology depended not only on technical achievement but also on education, thoughtful leadership, and the development of future generations. His work in national security and scientific research, his leadership in technology consulting, and his extensive community service reflected these convictions.
  
  He leaves a legacy that extends beyond the organizations he led and the positions he held. It lives on in the educational programs he supported, the professional communities he strengthened, the rural communities he helped connect through technology, and the many initiatives he championed to improve the future of New Mexico.
  
  Jack and Mary Ann shared a life together, and their passing within a few months of one another is a profound loss for all who knew and loved them. Their memory will be cherished by family, friends, colleagues, and the manyindividuals whose lives were touched by their presence and contributions.
  
  Jack will be remembered for his intelligence, leadership, generosity of spirit, and enduring dedication to the public good. His life’s work stands as a testament to the difference one person can make through knowledge, service, and a steadfast commitment to helping others.
  
  John P. “Jack” Jekowski will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.