Jack died July 23, 2018, in Eagle, Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho with his Bachelor's and Master's degrees and later from Oregon State where he earned his PhD. Jack jumped at McCall 1954-57 and 1960.

He began his career as a Fisheries Research Biologist in 1960 at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center Lab in Juneau, Alaska. Jack's career there lasted 49 years. Jack's published scientific works led to discoveries and collaborations with scientists from many countries.

In 2001, Jack led the Bering Aleutian Salmon International Survey that developed into a collection of data that is widely hailed by scientists worldwide.