Jack Adams Neuberger

Colonel Jack Adams Neuberger, U.S. Army, retired, 91, of Washington, D.C. passed away on April 9, 2022, at the Knollwood Military Retirement Community. Jack had a sharp intellect and strong work ethic, and he applied both as he pursued distinguished careers in the U.S. Army and then with the Federal Aviation Administration. A devoted father and a caring grandfather, he took great pride in his five daughters, three sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren, thoroughly enjoying keeping up with and spending time with them whenever possible.

Born on November 14, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA, Jack was the second of Maurice Adams Neuberger and Jane Gottlieb Neuberger’s two children. Maurice, who once operated an LA furniture shop, passed away when Jack was a young child. Raised by a single mother who worked at the West Los Angeles VA hospital, Jack grew up very close to his beloved older sister Maxine Neuberger Siegel. Adept at solving mechanical problems and skilled with his hands, Jack was a high schooler when he built a roadster from scratch, buying its parts with money he earned working at a gas station in LA.

Jack had completed one year of engineering at UCLA when his high score on a rigorous exam paved the way for his admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1949. As a rising first class (senior) West Point cadet on summer maneuvers at Fort Bliss in Texas, he met Carmen Emilie Guevara on their blind date to a Father’s Day Officers Club dance. In 1953, Jack graduated from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree. Two years later, Jack and Carmen married, and went on to have five daughters. Education was a household priority; Jack earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona, and for years, taught math courses in the evening at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Jack had a distinguished, 27-year U.S. Army career from June 1953 to September 1979. During his military service, Jack was stationed throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S., including: Austria, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Washington, D.C. (including an assignment at the Pentagon). His tour in South Korea involved commanding a battalion to protect South Korea from North Korean aggression. In war-torn Vietnam, he described traveling aboard a transport plane when it was shot down, an ordeal he survived. He was decorated numerous times in recognition of his accomplishments while serving in the U.S. Army, including: the Legion of Merit award; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal, among others. Finally, Jack also attended the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for two years.

Jack retired from the U.S. Army as a full colonel in 1979 and immediately began his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) career as Oceanic Systems Program Manager. His brainchild was the Microprocessor En-Route Automated Radar Tracking System (Micro-EARTS) Air Traffic Control System, which supports terminal and en-route air traffic control. Today, the Micro-EARTS System is operational at two dozen FAA air traffic control centers and military facilities, including sites in Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and multiple states including Alaska and Hawaii. Jack advocated to modernize air-traffic tracking by implementing satellite and space-based navigation called Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B). Its installation and implementation on the Micro-EARTS system in Anchorage helped win Jack’s Micro-EARTS group the prestigious 2007 Collier Trophy, which is displayed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. ADS-B is now in use on all air traffic systems worldwide. Jack also pressed for technological strides by adding new functionality to air traffic control and search-rescue-recovery tracking efforts. His FAA coworkers describe him as a mover and shaker, well-respected and remembered fondly by those who worked under him. Jack served approximately 39 years at the FAA, retiring in 2018.

Fiercely independent and intensely private, Jack projected a strict, exacting demeanor. Yet as he aged, and particularly in his last years, he seemed more content to relax and enjoy life. He happily regaled listeners with stories about work-related adventures and childhood remembrances. He listened fondly to beloved patriotic songs, Frank Sinatra tunes, and “Sound of Music” melodies, and could be heard singing along with his favorites. He passed his wide, contagious smile onto his children and their children.

Long a fitness enthusiast who undertook extended jogs near his Northwest DC home, he eventually gave up running for swimming. A swimming mishap set him back and led to other complications. Yet, even as physical and health challenges increased, Jack showed remarkable determination and strength that helped sustain him even through the Covid pandemic. For his happy years at the Knollwood Military Retirement Community, Jack’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff and especially the dedicated Health Services team for the care he was provided during his last years at Knollwood.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jane and Maurice, his sister Maxine, his first wife Carmen E. Guevara Neuberger, and his second wife Mary E. Wilkinson Neuberger. He is survived by daughters Catherine (Carrie) Adams Neuberger, Cynthia (Cindy) Neuberger Brooks, Carmen Lea Neuberger, Christine Neuberger Amrhine, and Mary Jo Neuberger; sons-in-law Pat Transue, Greg Wellins, and Dick Amrhine; grandchildren Alexandra (Ali) Schurr, Danielle (Dani) Schurr, Michael Amrhine, Andrea (Andy) Wellins, Megan Amrhine, Chardon Brooks, and Nicholas (Nick) Wellins; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16 at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. Masks requested.

Prior to burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a brief service will be held at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17 at the Old Post Chapel, 204 Lee Ave, Ft. Myer, VA 22211. Please enter through Hatfield gate at Ft. Myer and allow extra time for entry. Masks are required at the service. Burial will immediately follow the service.

Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund at https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/260086305. A 501(c)(3) organization that supports all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.