William N. Jackomis
January 17, 1930 ~ June 3, 2022
Dr. William N. Jackomis of Great Falls, Virginia, retired Colonel USAF, passed away on June 3, 2022, at the age of 92. Born on January 17, 1930, in Gary, Indiana, he led a dedicated, distinguished, and decorated life filled with honor and duty to his family and country. He will lovingly be remembered by his friends and family for his diligent service, commanding and reassuring presence, sharp wit, and steadfast strength. He was purposeful in all his endeavors and had more than one lifetime’s worth of accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Roberta (“Bobbie”) Roselle Jackomis, daughter Terri Jackomis Bucher (Bill), son Rick Jackomis (Stephanie), eight grandchildren—Tom McGonigle, Ryan McGonigle, Kerri McGonigle, Leanne McGonigle, Julie Bucher Champlin (Geoffrey), Diane Bucher, Rachel Jackomis, and Ricky Jackomis—and two great-grandchildren—William Champlin and George Champlin. He is preceded in death by his daughter Patricia Jackomis McGonigle (Tom).
Dr. Jackomis’ contributions to the United States, inter alia, include Military Leader, PhD Scientist, Research Laboratory Commander, Underground Nuclear Test Director, U.S. Strategic Arms Negotiator on the SALT II Treaty with the USSR, Jet Fighter Pilot, Helicopter Rescue Pilot, Multi-engine Aircraft Pilot, Veteran of the Korean War, and Combat Veteran in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He was also selected to be the Program Director, Lead Engineer, and Primary Pilot for highly classified special weapons programs.
As a young man, while working full-time and attending evening classes at a local college, Dr. Jackomis initially enlisted in the Army National Guard. Subsequently, he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the University of Notre Dame. After graduating from Notre Dame, he was commissioned and became a jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Jackomis subsequently earned PhD and MS degrees in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MS degree in International Affairs and National Security from George Washington University. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. National War College as “Outstanding Graduate” and also graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College.
As testament to his exemplary dedication to the United States, Dr. Jackomis represented the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a key negotiator and staff expert in face-to-face negotiations with the former Soviet Union in Geneva, Switzerland, on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) and on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Dr. Jackomis was also a select member of the US-USSR Standing Consultative Commission designed to discuss treaty compliance issues and obligations. Dr. Jackomis was a member of the U.S. delegation that negotiated the first Five-Year review of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the USSR. As head of the CTBT organization at the Defense Nuclear Agency, Dr. Jackomis played a major role in national security policy decisions during National Security Council deliberations.
In addition to assignments in the Office of Secretary of Defense, Dr. Jackomis was also assigned to the Air Staff at Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon where he worked for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Research, Development, and Acquisition (DCS/RD&A). As the Deputy Assistant for RD&A, Dr. Jackomis headed the Air Force's RDT&E Programming Division, the Aircraft and Missile Procurement Division, and the Congressional Activities Division. In this capacity, he managed the integration of planning, programming, and budgeting activities for the nearly $10 billion RDT&E and Aircraft and Missile procurement programs in support of the President's Budget, the Five-Year Defense Plan, and the Program Objective Memorandum.
Other key responsibilities included positions as Director of the Air Force's Energy Conversion Laboratory, Aerospace Research Laboratories, and as head of the Nuclear Weapons Effects Directorate at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory where he participated in several successful underground nuclear tests. Dr. Jackomis holds a U.S. patent relating to the charging and discharging system of nuclear fuel particles in small nuclear reactors for use in space to provide power and propulsion for satellites and vehicles.
Dr. Jackomis completed his military career as a permanent Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was a military Command Pilot and licensed FAA commercial pilot. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Award, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Following his military career, Dr. Jackomis had success as an executive with both Fortune 50 companies and smaller, specialized, product-oriented manufacturing companies. At the Aerospace Business Group of the General Electric Company, Dr. Jackomis performed strategic planning and program direction for the Aerospace Group's four major divisions: Space Satellite Systems, Strategic Missile Systems, Electronic Systems, and Avionics Systems. With Allied Signal Aerospace Company, Dr. Jackomis led Government and Congressional Affairs and performed planning and programming functions for all U.S. and International Government programs, including many classified programs.
With R&D and high-technology firms such as Williams International, Dr. Jackomis headed Washington, D.C. Operations and Congressional Affairs and was a major contributor to the development and operational success of the propulsion systems for our nation's conventional and nuclear cruise missile arsenal. At G&H Technology Inc., as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Jackomis was directly responsible for providing aerospace hardware components and systems for major programs including the International Space Station, Trident Missile, Atlas Centaur, commercial and military space satellites, and aircraft programs such as the F-22 and F/A-18.
As a Senior Vice President with Defense Group Inc., a high-technology company, Dr. Jackomis was engaged in management and support of highly classified contracts with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and other Government departments.
On the personal side, Dr. Jackomis, “Bill,” enjoyed interacting with people. He served as a Docent for several years at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center National Air & Space Museum, talking and teaching at length with the public. In semi-retirement, he became a real estate agent, with many clients and colleagues becoming friends. Bill loved asking questions and learning about people, rarely talking about himself but regularly contributing to the conversation with a good story or witty joke. His persona was modest, projecting a quiet strength and assurance around him while leading by example. Few people knew the depth of his intellect and extent of his accomplishments.
Bill enjoyed his weekly Saturday morning breakfasts with close friends. He had a passion for cooking—especially soups and Greek potatoes—and never missed a Notre Dame football game.
Above all, Bill loved his family. Nothing was more important than his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bill instilled in them the importance of education and the strong values of hard work, determination, reliability, and honesty. He was a loving advisor and counselor, active in their lives and often dispensing wisdom over coffee and a warm omelet. Bill is and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Jackomis will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on October 6, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Master of Science (MS) in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Master of Science (MS) in National Security and International Affairs, George Washington University
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame
National War College (NWC), Outstanding Graduate, International Affairs and National Security
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Roberta (“Bobbie”) Roselle Jackomis, daughter Terri Jackomis Bucher (Bill), son Rick Jackomis (Stephanie), eight grandchildren—Tom McGonigle, Ryan McGonigle, Kerri McGonigle, Leanne McGonigle, Julie Bucher Champlin (Geoffrey), Diane Bucher, Rachel Jackomis, and Ricky Jackomis—and two great-grandchildren—William Champlin and George Champlin. He is preceded in death by his daughter Patricia Jackomis McGonigle (Tom).
Dr. Jackomis’ contributions to the United States, inter alia, include Military Leader, PhD Scientist, Research Laboratory Commander, Underground Nuclear Test Director, U.S. Strategic Arms Negotiator on the SALT II Treaty with the USSR, Jet Fighter Pilot, Helicopter Rescue Pilot, Multi-engine Aircraft Pilot, Veteran of the Korean War, and Combat Veteran in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He was also selected to be the Program Director, Lead Engineer, and Primary Pilot for highly classified special weapons programs.
As a young man, while working full-time and attending evening classes at a local college, Dr. Jackomis initially enlisted in the Army National Guard. Subsequently, he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the University of Notre Dame. After graduating from Notre Dame, he was commissioned and became a jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Jackomis subsequently earned PhD and MS degrees in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MS degree in International Affairs and National Security from George Washington University. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. National War College as “Outstanding Graduate” and also graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College.
As testament to his exemplary dedication to the United States, Dr. Jackomis represented the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a key negotiator and staff expert in face-to-face negotiations with the former Soviet Union in Geneva, Switzerland, on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) and on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Dr. Jackomis was also a select member of the US-USSR Standing Consultative Commission designed to discuss treaty compliance issues and obligations. Dr. Jackomis was a member of the U.S. delegation that negotiated the first Five-Year review of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the USSR. As head of the CTBT organization at the Defense Nuclear Agency, Dr. Jackomis played a major role in national security policy decisions during National Security Council deliberations.
In addition to assignments in the Office of Secretary of Defense, Dr. Jackomis was also assigned to the Air Staff at Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon where he worked for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Research, Development, and Acquisition (DCS/RD&A). As the Deputy Assistant for RD&A, Dr. Jackomis headed the Air Force's RDT&E Programming Division, the Aircraft and Missile Procurement Division, and the Congressional Activities Division. In this capacity, he managed the integration of planning, programming, and budgeting activities for the nearly $10 billion RDT&E and Aircraft and Missile procurement programs in support of the President's Budget, the Five-Year Defense Plan, and the Program Objective Memorandum.
Other key responsibilities included positions as Director of the Air Force's Energy Conversion Laboratory, Aerospace Research Laboratories, and as head of the Nuclear Weapons Effects Directorate at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory where he participated in several successful underground nuclear tests. Dr. Jackomis holds a U.S. patent relating to the charging and discharging system of nuclear fuel particles in small nuclear reactors for use in space to provide power and propulsion for satellites and vehicles.
Dr. Jackomis completed his military career as a permanent Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was a military Command Pilot and licensed FAA commercial pilot. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Award, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Following his military career, Dr. Jackomis had success as an executive with both Fortune 50 companies and smaller, specialized, product-oriented manufacturing companies. At the Aerospace Business Group of the General Electric Company, Dr. Jackomis performed strategic planning and program direction for the Aerospace Group's four major divisions: Space Satellite Systems, Strategic Missile Systems, Electronic Systems, and Avionics Systems. With Allied Signal Aerospace Company, Dr. Jackomis led Government and Congressional Affairs and performed planning and programming functions for all U.S. and International Government programs, including many classified programs.
With R&D and high-technology firms such as Williams International, Dr. Jackomis headed Washington, D.C. Operations and Congressional Affairs and was a major contributor to the development and operational success of the propulsion systems for our nation's conventional and nuclear cruise missile arsenal. At G&H Technology Inc., as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Jackomis was directly responsible for providing aerospace hardware components and systems for major programs including the International Space Station, Trident Missile, Atlas Centaur, commercial and military space satellites, and aircraft programs such as the F-22 and F/A-18.
As a Senior Vice President with Defense Group Inc., a high-technology company, Dr. Jackomis was engaged in management and support of highly classified contracts with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and other Government departments.
On the personal side, Dr. Jackomis, “Bill,” enjoyed interacting with people. He served as a Docent for several years at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center National Air & Space Museum, talking and teaching at length with the public. In semi-retirement, he became a real estate agent, with many clients and colleagues becoming friends. Bill loved asking questions and learning about people, rarely talking about himself but regularly contributing to the conversation with a good story or witty joke. His persona was modest, projecting a quiet strength and assurance around him while leading by example. Few people knew the depth of his intellect and extent of his accomplishments.
Bill enjoyed his weekly Saturday morning breakfasts with close friends. He had a passion for cooking—especially soups and Greek potatoes—and never missed a Notre Dame football game.
Above all, Bill loved his family. Nothing was more important than his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bill instilled in them the importance of education and the strong values of hard work, determination, reliability, and honesty. He was a loving advisor and counselor, active in their lives and often dispensing wisdom over coffee and a warm omelet. Bill is and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Jackomis will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on October 6, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Master of Science (MS) in Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Master of Science (MS) in National Security and International Affairs, George Washington University
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame
National War College (NWC), Outstanding Graduate, International Affairs and National Security
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Uncle Bill will always be a great Man! I have many memories of Him at our house, laughter always followed. I was young , (20’s) but old enough to know what a great man was! He and my Dad had many conversations! My Aunt Bobbie was always a treasure, you could just see it! He always guided through strength and humility. He will be greatly missed! He will live on through His Son and His daughter and their children!
Sheri Pruss Cameron ❤️❤️
Sheri–Thank you for your kind words. We miss him every day. ❤️❤️
Bill was my buddy in real estate and he told me so many wonderful stories about his past and he was always a great person. I really enjoyed talking with him and yes I will see him out with his friends at Virginia Kitchen eating breakfast from time to time are you truly be missed? I just now seeing this, as I was thinking about him online I looked up and seeing that he passed. Sorry to hear that he was a great wonderful man Deneen Davis, as I was thinking about him online I looked up and seeing that he passed. Sorry to hear that he was a great wonderful man Deneen Davis yes, Deneen Davis.