John S. Jackson facts for kids

John S. Jackson (born February 21, 1920 – died November 19, 1991) was an important Irish scientist. He was a geologist, which means he studied rocks and the Earth. He was also an environmentalist, someone who works to protect our planet. Many believe he was the first person in Ireland to work as an environmental consultant, helping others understand and protect nature.

Early Life and Education

John Semple Jackson was born in Dublin, Ireland, on February 21, 1920. He was one of six children. When he was ten years old, his mother passed away. His father later married his mother's sister.

John grew up in Athy, County Kildare. He went to school there before attending St Columba's College in Rathfarnham, County Dublin. After finishing school, he worked in his family's business. He also started studying architecture.

Joining the Air Force

In 1941, John met Sally McCutcheon, who would become his wife. In 1942, he was accepted into University of Oxford. However, he decided to join the Royal Air Force in 1943. He trained as a pilot in England and Miami during World War II. Sally also joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a radio mechanic. They saw each other a few times during the war. John later returned to England to train other pilots.

Studying Geology

Some say that flying over North America made John interested in geology. After the war, in 1946, he began studying natural science at Trinity College, Dublin. He earned his degree in geology and zoology in 1950. He also won the Edge prize in 1949. During his time at college, John was also the editor of the student magazine TCD.

John and Sally married on November 6, 1948. They had three sons. They even shared looking after their first child so they could both attend their college classes.

A Career in Science

John Jackson started his science career as a lecturer at University College Dublin. He was very interested in palaeontology (the study of fossils) and stratigraphy (the study of rock layers). He earned his PhD in 1955, after studying the rocks in Kingscourt, County Cavan.

Working at the Museum

In 1957, John left University College Dublin. He became the keeper of the Natural History Museum, Dublin. For 11 years, he worked hard to expand and organize the museum's geology collections. He also helped promote the museum through different groups and events.

Becoming an Environmental Consultant

John left the museum in 1968. He wanted to spend more time doing fieldwork, which he loved. He became one of the few geological consultants in Ireland. This job allowed him to work outdoors. He quickly started focusing on protecting nature and the environment. Many believe he was the first environmental consultant in Ireland. He helped companies understand how their work might affect the environment.

While working as a consultant, John also taught about mining and engineering geology. He lectured at Trinity College Dublin (1968–70) and National University of Ireland, Galway (1972–75). He was also a consultant for the Geological Survey of Ireland. He taught architecture students about environmental conservation and often spoke on radio and television about protecting nature and mining.

Protecting Ireland's Nature

John's work also involved helping An Bord Fáilte, Ireland's tourism board. In 1963, he helped create a list of important scientific sites in Ireland. He was also part of government groups that identified important landscapes and scientific sites. These sites are now known as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under European law.

John wrote many articles about geology, archaeology, nature, and environmental protection. He was part of many important groups and committees. These included the European committee for nature conservation and the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) committee for science. He was also the chairman of the Irish Naturalists' Journal. John was a founder and first president of the Irish Geological Association. He was also a member of An Taisce, an organization that protects Ireland's heritage and environment. He served as its secretary, chairman, and president.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1977, John and his wife moved to Clondalkin. Their son started a pottery business there. In 1988, they retired to Schull, County Cork. John continued to lecture and stay interested in mining and quarries. In County Cork, he joined local groups like the Mizen field club and the Schull Astronomical Society.

John Jackson passed away suddenly in Killarney, County Kerry, on November 19, 1991. He was buried in Altar graveyard in west Cork. John's large collection of 3,500 books, journals, and maps is now kept at University College Cork. It is called the John S. Jackson Library. In 1994, the Royal Dublin Society started the John Jackson Lecture in his memory.