John H. Van Ness ’44

Jack died May 28, 2005, in Venice, Fla., where he and his wife had lived for more than 20 years. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery Oct. 19.

Jack came to Princeton from Maplewood (N.J.) High School, where he starred in football. His record for the longest punt there still stands after 65 years. At Princeton, he roomed with Wally Johnson, among others, in Blair Tower senior year. He majored in chemical engineering, played football, and was a member of the gymnastics team and of Tiger Inn. After getting his bachelor's in 1943, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Navy, and served as a communications and radar officer on a submarine, seeing extensive action in the Pacific and winning a Silver Star.

After the war, he earned a master's at Northwestern University and joined Monsanto's research department in St. Louis, where he spent 30 years developing new manufacturing processes for food flavorings. He continued his strong interest in sports, particularly golf.

Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay; a daughter, Susan; a son, Doug '75; and two grandsons, Nick '08 and Leighton Van Ness. We extend our sympathy to all.

The Class of 1944