William "Bill" M. Jackson

Cataumet- William (Bill) Michael Jackson passed away peacefully at home in Cataumet, Massachusetts on October 27, 2023. He was 81. Born to Robert and Hazel (Penny) Jackson in Boston, he was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Bill was fascinated with Science from a young age. In 1965, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Brown University and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1970. His academic pursuits set the foundation for a successful career in biotechnology. At Corning Medical, Bill co-developed the Corvac blood plasma separator tube still in use today. Then in 1980, in the early stages of the biotech revolution, he became the founding CEO of Repligen Corporation. Eventually, Bill returned to his Alma Mater to take on the role of President of the Brown University Research Foundation. Under his leadership for over 25 years, the foundation licensed technology developed at Brown and supported new business ventures. Bill also founded the Brown University Venture Forum, building a community around fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Early in his retirement, Bill’s interest in promoting business development led to his involvement in the Regional Technology Development Corporation of Cape Cod (RTDT).

A lifelong sailor, Bill thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years on Cape Cod. He built a year round home near Red Brook Harbor and sailed frequently in Buzzard’s Bay with further sailing adventures throughout New England and on sailing vacations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and through the Panama Canal. At home, Bill loved woodworking and fixing things. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth. To all who knew him, Bill will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, practical know-how and his ability to make people laugh.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Jane Benedict Jackson. He also leaves his son Andrew Jackson, four grandchildren, Abigail, Roxanne, Miranda and Harry, and son- in -law Porter Hall and his wife Taya and son Finn. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Wendy Jackson Hall. The Jackson family finds solace in the memories of a life well lived and the knowledge that Bill's spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will take place on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be sent to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to support the Girls in Science Program, a summer fellowship opportunity for high school girls. A check designated for the Girls in Science Program can be made out to WHOI and mailed to: Development Office, MS#40, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1050