In memory of Jack

I just found out about Jack’s passing from Anna-Marie, and I just posted this on LinkedIn. I was very saddened to hear from Anne-Marie about Jack’s passing. Jack’s contributions went far beyond technology; he helped establish guidelines and standards that strengthened trust, collaboration, and global impact across the community.

His work in shaping data, security, and interoperability wasn’t just forward-thinking for its time; it continues to influence how organizations approach responsibility, privacy, and access today. Leaders like Jack remind us that real progress often happens quietly, through dedication to doing things the right way.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will continue to make a difference. Paul Zyla

I can’t even start to count the number of cities and countries where we shared laughs, fun, significant birthdays, beers, puzzles, hikes, silliness (always that), and always friendship and love! Of course, we worked some of the time…I remember your excellent ‘service’ skills proving Anne-Marie and I with wine and other treats as we wrote numerous papers at your dinner table. Here are some photos from Australia, South Africa and the Netherlands You are missed, Jack, but I am enriched by my memories of you. Anne-Marie, you are in my heart xxxxxx

Jack you were taken from us far too soon. Thank you for all those happy times we spent together all over the world. Thank you for being a true friend.

Jack was a kind and gentle soul. He will be greatly missed by many people.

I knew Jack since 1992 when he joined Europdonor. He was always a cooperative person with the French and European Registries in the EDS European Donor Secretariat and the EMDIS European Marrow Donor Information System. He had always some proposal to improve the matching, the search requests at the international level. The interoperate IT system was developed by Jack and his team and improvements proposed worldwide, always friendly! I shall never forget you! God bless you!

Jack: Always there when I needed him when analysing complex datafiles during my first job at Europdonor. Never he said of showed: oh dear here she is again; always service-minded but above all, so very kind. My thoughts go to the ones he loved and left behind.

It is with sorrow I received the message that Jack passed away. He was a great friend, and I always enjoyed being with him. His help for the Norwegian Bone Marrow Donor Registry in fixing data problems and finding ways to solve new challenges were superb, and it often gave me a chance to meet with him at WMDA meetings, in the Netherlands and in Oslo. And Anne-Marie and Jack spent some days in our mountain cabin some years ago; a visit that is full of good memories. How much fun we had! May Anne-Marie and the family experience heartful support and empathy in times of grief, and may Jack’s memory be as beautiful as his life.

He helped me a lot when I joined the EMDIS community back in 2003. A great person with a wonderful sense of humor. I wish you all the best wherever you are.

I hope Jack found some comfort in the days before, and that you find some measure of comfort in the days to come. I was pleased to hear that Martin and Hans-Peter had recent chances to visit. I loved seeing what was done with bmdw.org.

Some moments from our trip to South Africa come to my mind:

• Jack working on capturing lightning with his camera during one of the barbecue nights
• My wife Jen accidentally grazing Jack’s lips while attempting the dutch kiss for the first time

Our work took us around the world, but it was your friendship, kindness, and passion for photography that made those trips unforgettable. I am grateful for every moment we shared and will carry those memories with me always. I am honored to have called you both a colleague and a friend, and you will be deeply missed.

Not only was Jack brilliant, he was such a warm and compassionate person and colleague. He was always ready with a warm smile, uplifting greeting and a genuine interest in others. Missing you already.

Twenty seven years of memories are not easy to summarise in one sentence!

Like a candle, the light of a good heart never truly disappears. I will always be grateful for his integrity, respect and passion.