In Memory

Jon Ocho

In Memorium

Jon Ocho

1946-2015

 

Jon Ocho died suddenly on January 22, 2015. A passionate and groundbreaking academic, Jon earned his BA from Trinity College in Connecticut and went on to earn his Masters and PhD in history from Yale University. Jon came to North Carolina State’s history department in 1977 from Clark University and had been a Professor of History and the department chair for more than a decade.  He was also a Professor of Legal History at Duke University School of Law, joining that faculty in 1983.  In addition to a distinguished body of work in Chinese history, law, and society, Jon was much more than a professor, being instrumental in pioneering and growing academic programs at both NC State and Duke and establishing deep cross-border relationships with Chinese institutions, officials, and scholars.

 

He was proud to call NC State University his home for nearly 40 years. The History Department was a special place to Jon and was his second family. Through both good and bumpy times, he treasured the intellectual fellowship and the camaraderie he had with his colleagues, other professors, staff, and leaders throughout the University community.  Jon also loved Wolfpack sports and raised his kids at Carter-Finley Stadium and Reynolds Coliseum.

 

An inspiration to students and colleagues at Duke Law, Jon was the teacher and mentor to a number of China’s current leaders, including the architect of China’s securities regulatory system and senior partners in global law firms.  Jon's interest in China at an early age attracted some high-level attention. As a Bay Area high school student during the Cold War, his subscription to a Chinese newspaper got him a phone call from the local FBI office.

 

A humble man of conscience and kindness, his passion for ideas, learning, and developing minds was matched only by his great love for his wife Aggie, children Matthew and Peter, and his grandchildren.  Aggie, his college sweetheart, was his soul mate, editor, muse, and partner in everything from their blind date as freshmen until his passing.  As a father, his sweetness, patience, and wisdom shone through in every interaction.  Besides Aggie, nothing was more important than the happiness and care of his sons, in whom he took tremendous pride. He gave his kids the best of him, sacrificing his own self-interest for their growth, education, and professional success. Their father made them feel safe and strong, and gave them many gifts, including the values and perspective to live right as men.  He expanded his children’s and grandchildren’s minds and hearts in every way, and they loved him back with all their might, treasuring every moment.  Anyone who met Jon for five minutes or knew him for a lifetime recognized that twinkle and enveloping warmth, and his rolling and joyous laugh. He was a prince and a mensch.  Who else could translate a Qing Dynasty scroll, know the Red Sox lineup and fix or build almost anything. Whether in the everyday or the extraordinary, Jon reveled. The sparks have all been lit, and the fires will burn forever.  His was a life well-lived.

Jon is survived by his wife, Aggie, his sons Matthew of the Bay Area and Peter of Los Angeles, CA, and his adoring grandchildren.  We will all miss Jon.