Dr. Jesse D. Jennings, Ph.D., age 88, died quietly at home, on the morning of August, 13, 1997. His wife, Jane of 62 years was at his side in their Siletz, Oregon home. Dr. Jennings died of natural causes.
He was born July 7, 1909 to Grace (Belle) Cruce Jennings and Daniel Wellman Jennings in Oklahoma City. During a rich and varied frontier childhood, in what he called "a lower middle class family", he watched, learned and grew. At the time, he developed a strong understanding of right and wrong, good and bad and a strong sense of reponsibility, which governed both personal and professional behavior. In 1919, as the family traveled to New Mexico, Jesse's thirst for experience and knowledge became even more acute. And, in due course, led to a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of Chicago in 1943.Soon, after, in 1948, as a result of experience gained while working with the National Park Service, Dr. Jennings accepted an Associate Professorship at the University of Utah in the department of Anthropology. Through good example and insistence on the highest standard of quality, he began a prominent scientific career.
While at the University, he received many honors. Among them; the Reynolds and Leigh Lectureship, a Distinguished Professorship, and in 1980 he received a Doctorate of Science degree. Other contributions include the establishment of the Utah Museum of Natural History, creation of the Utah Statewide Archaeological Survey and direction of the Glen Canyon Archaeological Survey Project. Further Dr. Jennings was awarded the Viking Medal in Archaeology (1958); Fullbright-Hayes Lectureship at the University of Auckland, New Zealand (1979) and election to the National Academy of Sciences (1977). Then in 1982 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Society of American Archaeology for significant contribution to the Archaeological profession. The culmination of his professional career came in 1995 with the bestowal of the Alfred Vincent Kidder award for fifty years of pioneering contribution to the field of Archaeology.
His professional writings are considerable with over 100 published articles, monographs, and edited volumes, represent a lasting contribution to the field of Archaeology. From the 1989 revision of "The Prehistory of North America" to the landmark work "Danger Cave" (1957) which provided new direction for Archaeological research in the west.
As a parent and teacher, his strong awareness of right and wrong seemed to get in the way of his genuine regard and love for those around him. No effort to encourage, or guide was too great. All he asked was one's best effort, consistently.
He and his wife, Jane, left Salt Lake in 1980 relocating in Oregon. Dr. Jennings continued, however, to teach at the University of Utah until 1986, a continuous contribution for some 38 years. He also delivered spring seminars at the University of Oregon, Eugene, continued to write, and was always available to answer questions, offer direction and support to students, colleagues and family.
Dr. Jennings is survived by his wife, Jane Chase of Siletz; sons, David of Salt Lake City, and Hebert Lee of Siletz; sister, Alvina Brian and niece, Linda Jane Beaucomb, both of Huntsville, Alabama; and three grandchildren, Patrick Jesse and Emily.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Any donations may be sent to Cancer Support Group, P.C.H. 930 S.W. Abbey, Newport, Oregon, 97365.
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