After Taps

Alan T. Jackson ’56

By Mark Jackson ’85

Alan Theobald “Tiger” Jackson ’56 graduated from high school in 1951 from a small boarding school, Woodstock, in Mussoorie, India, while his father was serving as the first U.S. Naval attaché to the newly formed Pakistani government after World War II. Perhaps his sense of adventure began there during a 200-mile camel reconnaissance trip with his father along the Pakistani coastline, looking for possible new ports of entry.

Alan inspired many with his commitment to competitive sports and exercise. After being told in college that he was too small to succeed in any sport, Alan earned 10 varsity letters in track, cross-country, and swimming and went on to make the U.S. modern pentathlon team, becoming a U.S. national champion while in the Army. He placed fifth and ninth in world championships (top American finisher in both) in the 1960s and narrowly missed an Olympic team due to a timing issue during the equestrian event.

Alan rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel during his 20-year career in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and earning two Bronze Stars. While stationed in Korea, he attained a black belt in judo. Alan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI in 1956 and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla.

After retiring from the military in 1976, Alan and his wife, Mary Jo Parker Jackson, chose Bozeman, Montana, to raise their children and allow Alan to continue pursuing his love of mountain climbing and endurance sports. Over the years, Alan competed in hundreds of running, bicycle, and cross-country ski races; triathlons; marathons; and ride and tie events (horse/rider/runner). He accomplished all this while managing a 20-year career teaching civil engineering at Montana State University. While at MSU, Alan was instrumental in starting the Federal Highway Administration’s local technical assistance program to help Montana’s 56 counties and 127 cities and towns with training and advice on public works, with an emphasis on safe roads and streets. He helped pass a bill in the Montana legislature funding this vitally important program, which is still in effect today. He also received several teaching awards.

Alan summited every peak in North America over 10,000 feet, as well as 17 of the highest peaks in the world on every continent except Asia, including Denali (Mount McKinley, Alaska) at age 60 and Aconcagua (Argentina) at age 65—both with MSU colleagues. He accomplished all of this despite life-threatening injuries, illnesses, and two types of cancer. He taught his three children to ski, ride horses, box, play tennis, and swim. In addition, they competed in Montana’s favorite triathlons, running, bicycle, and ski races, and backpacked. Alan inspired a great love of the outdoors. He made his children resilient and instilled grit and tenacity so they could handle life when it wasn’t fair or when the chips were down. Alan’s determination to finish what he started “come hell or high water” was daunting. When Alan was 78, he and his son, Mark, entered the bicycle tour of Colorado—a six-day, 518-mile trip, including 36,250 feet of vertical climbing. The second day included a 37-mile uphill climb in a blizzard. Of the 1,500 riders, fewer than 150 made it over the top; the entire peloton was astonished Alan made it. Later in the event, on a downhill, he scared the daylights out of Mark by passing logging trucks at 60 miles per hour around blind curves! But Alan didn’t stop there. He was 80 when he placed first in triathlon and mountain biking competitions at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alan wrote humorous and engaging chronicles of his lifetime of harrowing adventures, including technique and gear tips for readers. Alan enjoyed sharing training tips with anyone joining him. At 87, he was still dispensing mountain bike and cross-country skiing tips to his daughter when she could finally keep up with him. Alan was a force. He answered to no one until he met his partner, Nan Pizitz, in 1994. They were together 24 beautiful years. She brought out the best in him, and he was her hero. Alan will be missed by Nan and her children and grandchildren; Alan’s children, Jennifer Jackson Anderson, Mark Jackson ’85, and Marianne Jackson Amsden; his grandchildren; classmates; MSU/Army colleagues; and many friends. We know he’s encouraging us to “by God, get out there and enjoy it!” And to keep going, “as long as you can put one foot in front of the other.” Many of Alan’s favorite sayings and encouragements about competitive sports, life, and aging can be heard in a beautiful short film made about him by Erik Petersen in 2020 titled “Last Tracks.” View it online at vimeo.com/447186043.

We wish Alan well as he starts his eternal race.

James H. “Jim” Tumlinson III ’60, Ph.D

By J. Bolling Williamson ’60

Jim Tumlinson ’60, Ph.D., was an internationally acclaimed scientist and a pioneer in the field of chemical ecology—the study of integrating chemistry and biology with the goal of developing natural pest control strategies. He was considered a world leader in researching how insects communicate, then turning basic discoveries into novel management strategies. Much of his research was conducted within the U.S. Department of Agriculture; in 2003, he joined the Pennsylvania State University faculty as a founding member of the Center of Chemical Ecology, which he led until his death this year.

Honors at the highest level were numerous: The Wolf Foundation awarded him its Chemistry Award, and in 1997, he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He also received the Secretary of Agriculture’s Award for Personal and Professional Excellence. The combination of the Wolf award and election to the National Academy of Sciences represents a profile similar to Nobel Prize laureates.

None of us in the Class of ’60 are surprised by these accolades. Jim was a leader throughout his four years at VMI: The class elected him to the Honor Court, and he was appointed first captain (and, as such, represented VMI at the funeral of Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901). He was awarded the Cincinnati Medal at graduation.

His leadership traits continued in the Marine Corps, where he led a reconnaissance platoon. Jim had a commanding presence: He didn’t need rank insignia to set himself apart. People quickly perceived his capabilities despite his seemingly

easygoing personality and Southern drawl. He didn’t need loud talk or bravado to establish his credibility; he simply emitted confidence. In addition to being respected, he was genuinely liked. He wrote or co-wrote nearly 300 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, but while his focus was primarily research, he was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. One of his former students credited Jim for guiding his own research philosophy: “He was a true leader—occasionally tough, but never unreasonable. I hope Jim’s ethics and style of conducting research will be an inspiration for others as it has been for me.” Another colleague noted, “Jim’s recent emails and last phone call to me centered not on his declining health but instead on wanting to ensure that his students were taken care of.” No surprise there; he was a leader to the last.

A professor at VMI who worked with him for many years summed it up: “We get someone of Jim’s quality at VMI once every 10 or 20 years.”

Dr. Charles E. “Charlie” Smith ’65

By Barry Walker ’65

Charlie Smith matriculated in September 1961 with 11 others from Hampton Roads, Virginia, schools. As matriculants from the greater Tidewater area, we were known as swamp rats.

Charlie had a humble upbringing; his father worked at the Newport News shipyard, and his mother stayed at home. At the age of 10, Charlie began selling newspapers at the main entrance of the shipyard when the workers arrived at 4 a.m. He continued to sell newspapers throughout his teenage years, saving enough money for his first two years of college.

Charlie’s exceptional grasp of mathematics and science enabled him to enroll in the civil engineering curriculum and Army ROTC. He was not interested in holding rank at VMI and instead focused on his studies. He graduated as a 1st Class private.

In high school, Charlie played football and threw the discus in track and field events. As a four-year lettering member of the VMI track team, he set the record for the farthest discus throw of any VMI athlete up to that time—a record he held for many years.

Charlie, Jim Workman ’65, and I shared a room for three years at VMI. We became lasting friends. On weekends with no activities planned, Charlie and I snuck out of barracks dressed in our track workout uniforms—sweatpants and shirts. We weren’t supposed to leave post out of uniform, but being on the track team allowed us to leave to work out. We roamed the banks of the Maury River and throughout the rolling hills surrounding Lexington.

As one Christmas furlough approached, a massive snowstorm hit Lexington. Buses to carry cadets to various home locations were stranded. Charlie and I weren’t about to stay at the Institute another day, so we hitchhiked our way home. What fun it was riding with a guy from Minnesota who grew up on slick roads and drove like a maniac.

Charlie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, but instead of serving right away, Charlie attended Georgia Tech and earned a Master of Science degree in civil engineering in 1967. He then entered the Army and went to Vietnam. Charlie was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for designing a new structure for some bridges that allowed military forces safer and faster crossings.

After completion of military service, Charlie returned to Washington, D.C. My father, Byron Walker ’41, chief of the Bridge Alteration Branch under the U.S. Coast Guard, gave Charlie his first job.

But Charlie was still thirsty for knowledge. He earned a Master of Science degree in applied mechanics from the University of Virginia in 1973 and a Doctor of Sciences degree in 1994 from George Washington University.

Charlie joined the Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior, in 1981. In 1996, he was named the department’s Engineer of the Year. He was known both nationally and internationally for his expertise in ocean, offshore, and Arctic engineering. Charles was the only MMS engineer to be selected as a national finalist in the prestigious National Society of Professional Engineers Federal Engineer of the Year competition. Charlie retired in 2009 and was inducted into the Offshore Energy Center’s Hall of Fame in Galveston, Texas,

Warren H. Grasty ’70

By Jim Mawyer ’70

as an offshore safety and regulatory pioneer. Charlie formed partnerships that enabled MMS to be a U.S. and international leader in offshore safety research. He was instrumental in the development of the Offshore Technology Research Center at Texas A&M University. He directed well control research that included the establishment of a deep water well control research facility at Louisiana State University. He established the first-ever offshore seismic network in the Pacific region. He was a pioneer in investigating human and organizational factors, working closely with colleagues at the University of California – Berkeley and Stanford University.

He organized research on Arctic structures, islands, and production technology and was a regular committee leader for the International Conference on Ocean, Offshore, and Arctic Engineering. He was a founder of the International Committee on Regulatory Authority Research and Development.

Charlie met his wife, Elaine, while doing research for the Memorial University of Newfoundland Center for Cold Ocean Resources Engineering. When he retired in 2009, he and Elaine moved to Bay Roberts, Newfoundland. Charlie loved it so much there that he became a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. He continued contributing to the field of ocean, offshore, and Arctic engineering by actively participating in teaching and research at Memorial University of Newfoundland until his death Dec. 9, 2021.

In 2021, in his honor, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador established the Dr. Charles Smith Memorial Award in Engineering in memory and recognition of his dedicated contributions to ocean, offshore, and Arctic engineering.

Warren Harris Grasty died at his home in Herndon, Virginia, in February 2021 due to an aggressive form of cancer. His loving wife, Elizabeth, was holding his hand. Warren matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, where he graduated from Cave Spring High School.

At VMI, he was an electrical engineering major and a “tweet” (aka Band Company) and played trumpet. After VMI, he turned to his true musical talent, playing his bass guitar in several bands.

Warren served as class agent for 15 years, mainly due to his incredible wit and unique ability to turn almost any statement into a pun. Had our 50th Reunion not been delayed by COVID-19, he undoubtedly would have been elected for another five-year term.

He earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business after graduation from the Institute, which led to successful careers in Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia. He retired as CEO of Timeplex, a data communications company. He also volunteered his time for many years as a math tutor with Fairfax County Adult Continuing Education. He and Liz led an active lifestyle and traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean.

Warren was an avid golfer, tennis player, and crossword and sudoku puzzle solver, but his exploits on the links earned him the coveted nickname “Shank-a-potomus!” After a round of golf or tennis, he particularly enjoyed several bottles of Michelob Ultra or his wine of choice—Yellowtail, most often.

With wit and a decidedly pleasant demeanor, Warren loved and tolerated his more conservative brother rats with whom he shared many common interests. Everyone was able to disagree respectfully and peacefully coexist—a dying art, indeed. That’s the way the brother rat bond works.

Warren’s brother rats; many other VMI alumni; his golf, tennis, and band buddies; the many friends he made in this life; and his dear wife, Liz, miss him mightily, but we know he is doing fine in heaven, strumming away on his favorite guitar, and occasionally shanking another Titleist.

Chad G. Neely ’97

By George Edwin “Win” Gaulding ’97 and Anthony Julian “Tony” Spevak ’97

Chad Neely ’97, of Austin, Texas—a loving son, brother, uncle, brother rat, and friend—died Monday, March 7, 2022. Chad was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in San Antonio. He matriculated to VMI in August 1993, where he pursued his love of football, having earned a full football scholarship. Chad graduated from VMI in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business and earned distinction as the youngest cadet at the time to receive the Academic Achievement Award in the economics and business department. Chad’s leadership extended past academics and athletics; he founded the VMI Texas Investment Club and the perhaps less well-known but infamous “I partied with Chad Neely and lived” club.

After graduating, he returned to his native Texas to begin his professional career in Austin, first at Merrill Lynch, then at Comerica Bank in its technology and life sciences group. In 2009, he began his entrepreneurial career as founder and CEO of Wenzel Spine, a medical technology company named after his late grandfather, Wenzel Gandy. Somewhere between working in corporate America and starting his own company, he found time to earn an MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. His energy and his passion for business and his love for his teammates shone through every step of his professional journey; many colleagues commented how rare it was to find a leader like Chad so embraced by all around him.

Chad was not one to sit still. Over the years, he organized and led his friends on worldwide adventures that included climbing high-altitude mountains such as Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Island Peak, and Everest Base Camp. You read that correctly: Chad Neely climbed to Everest Base Camp! Back home, when he wasn’t organizing motorcycle trips to West Texas, he was on a family sailboat trip to the Virgin Islands, a lifetime passion. Along the way, he documented each trip with uncanny cinematic skill, which led to his creation of Juggernaut Productions, his passion project to create Hollywood-quality movies seen and loved by many.

Chad never did anything halfway. Simply learning guitar was not enough; Chad became a bona fide rock star and played lead guitar in his band, Kings of the Nighttime World. He and his band performed in many corporate battles of the bands, but perhaps most famously, his band frequently headlined his legendary annual Halloween parties. Rumors persist one such party resulted in a bar burning down, but friends remain adamant he had nothing to do with it!

Family and friends were Chad’s priorities. One of his greatest joys was spinning yarns and tall tales with them around the fire pit at his family’s lake house on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. Chad hosted many spring break trips to Lake LBJ as a cadet, and many of those cadets today still talk highly of those trips. Chad was a deeply caring friend, son, brother, and uncle who did anything and everything for those around him. He maintained deep personal connections throughout his life that never faded. Chad was the glue that held the universe together for many.

Chad was such a force at VMI that many of our BRs have a “Chad Neely story” that usually involves women, music, dancing, and some of the most staggering bar tabs Virginia has ever seen. He was notorious for pushing limits but never stepped over them and made sure everyone always had a good time. He would say, “Don’t worry, $@#% hasn’t hit the fan yet because I haven’t turned on the fan!” In barracks, Chad perfected the art of playing cards with multiple rooms while marching penalty tours, but most importantly, he was always available to help others going through rough times. He was the most fiercely loyal friend any person could have. Chad’s best friends were his roommates and many BRs. He was active in VMI alumni activities and was on the reunion committee for our upcoming 25th Reunion.

Chad’s far-too-early loss is devastating to all who knew him, especially those in the VMI community, but his BRs know he would not have wanted us to dwell on his passing. In fact, this would be the perfect occasion for one of his famous pep talks, wherein he instructs us to, instead of moping around feeling glum, raise our glasses and be happy for all the times we shared together and the memories we will cherish forever.

He loved being “Uncle Chad” to his niece and nephew and dear friends’ children. Chad is survived by his mother, Kimberly Gandy Neely; father, Warren Fordtran Neely; sister, Caroline Neely Rose, and her husband, Thomas Walter Rose; niece, Eleanor Grace Rose; nephew, Thomas Neely Rose; grandmother, Grace Hoffman Gandy; aunt, Karol Gandy Barnhart; uncle, Paul Fred Barnhart Jr.; and cousins, Kelly Grace Barnhart and Paul Fred Barnhart III. He is also survived by aunt Geralyn Mary Neely and cousins Melina Elizabeth Neely and Robert Joseph Neely. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Wenzel Austin Gandy, and grandparents, Robert Allen Neely and Eleanor Stein Neely.