John “Jack” Beggs, Phd

John “Jack” Beggs, PhD was born in Jersey City, NJ, July 14, 1942; he always joked that they held a party for him in Paris each year. Jack had an unfailingly inquisitive mind. He loved solving puzzles, whether that meant unlocking the meaning in data or designing a way to measure something that no one had ever measured. He received a degree in economics from Georgetown University. After receiving his PhD the University of Illinois at Chicago, he served on the faculty of Louisiana State University in the sociology department.

His passions included jazz, reading, critiquing politics, and scuba diving. He spent many wonderful days diving off Cayman Brac and spending time with dive buddies there.

But probably the most central thing in his life was his family. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Hurlbert, and his daughter, Valerie Elizabeth Beggs. Valerie Elizabeth was truly the apple of his eye. He is also survived by two sisters, Maureen Kunz and Helene Peters; and his brother, William “Bill” Beggs. He loved his sisters and brother dearly and was a proud uncle to ten nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Beggs and his brother, Gerald (Gerry) Beggs.

Jack’s life will be celebrated in a service at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 23 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Friends of the Animals, (Paula Schoen), Generous Kids (Colleen Bowler), or Padi Aware.