Professor Jonathan Kevin Ocko

Professor Jonathan Kevin Ocko

Raleigh

Professor Jonathan Kevin Ocko of Raleigh, a beloved and respected scholar of Chinese history and law, and a fine husband, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly January 22nd at the age of 68.

A passionate and groundbreaking academic, Jonathan earned his BA from Trinity College in Connecticut and went on to earn his Masters and PhD in history from Yale University. Jonathan came to NC State's history department in 1977 from Clark University and had been Professor of History and the department chair for more than a decade. He was also Professor of Legal History at Duke University School of Law, joining that faculty in 1983.

In addition to a distinguished body of work in Chinese history, law and society, Jonathan was much more than a professor, being instrumental in pioneering and growing academic programs at both NC State and Duke, and establishing deep cross-border relationships with Chinese institutions, officials and scholars.

He was proud to call NC State University his home for nearly 40 years. The History Department was a special place to Jonathan and was his second family. Through both good and bumpy times, he treasured the intellectual fellowship and the camaraderie he had with his humanities and social sciences colleagues, as well as other professors, staff and leaders throughout the University community. He took great pride in his efforts and collaborations to raise the University's profile, including advancing graduate programs in history and the humanities. Jonathan also loved Wolfpack sports and raised his kids at Carter-Finley Stadium and Reynolds Coliseum. One of his last texts celebrated the Pack's home win over Duke.

An inspiration to students and colleagues, at Duke Law Jonathan was the teacher and mentor to a number of China's current leaders, including the architect of China's securities regulatory system and senior partners in global law firms. Always thinking about others first, he guided multiple generations of young and aspiring scholars on their professional journeys, lighting a flame of desire for inquiry and the role history plays in looking to the past to make decisions for a better future.

Jonathan's interest in China at an early age attracted some high level attention. As a Bay Area high school student during the Cold War, his subscription to a Chinese newspaper got him a phone call from the local FBI office.

A humble man of conscience and kindness, his passion for ideas, learning and developing minds was matched only by his great love for his wife Aggie, children Matthew and Peter, and his grandchildren. Aggie, his college sweetheart, was his soul mate, editor, muse and partner in everything from their blind date as freshmen until his passing. Their very brief breakup in college because an 18 year old Jonathan felt that his feelings were too strong, is jokingly referred to as "The Hiatus." From the rest of '65 on it was smooth sailing.

As a father, his sweetness, patience and wisdom shone through in every interaction. Besides Aggie, nothing was more important than the happiness and care of his sons, in whom he took tremendous pride. He gave his kids the best of him, sacrificing his own self-interest for their growth, education and professional success. Their father made them feel safe and strong, and gave them many gifts, including the values and perspective to live right as men.

Ever vibrant and dynamic, Jonathan and Aggie were often found on Facetime speaking to their grandchildren or in California visiting them in Palo Alto and Los Angeles. He was always up for some Lego building, swimming, basketball, baseball or golf. Perhaps their plan would be a visit to the natural history, art or science museum. He and Aggie would top the day off with an evening of hugs and reading, or maybe even a PAC 12 football game. Not one second was lost to play, learn, love and smile. Few men could as easily transition from a discourse on political theory to ACC hoops to unadulterated silliness in the span of a few minutes. He expanded his children's and grandchildren's minds and hearts in every way, and they loved him back with all their might, treasuring every moment.

Anyone who met Jonathan for five minutes or knew him for a lifetime recognized that twinkle and enveloping warmth, and his rolling and joyous laugh. He was a prince and a mensch. Who else could translate a Qing Dynasty scroll, know the Red Sox lineup and fix or build almost anything. Whether in the everyday or the extraordinary, Jonathan reveled. The sparks have all been lit, and the fires will burn forever. His is a life well lived.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Aggie, his sons Matthew of Palo Alto and Peter of Los Angeles, CA, and his adoring grandchildren Daniel and Madeline, and Madden and Sorela. A memorial service is being planned in Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the NC State Foundation, History Enhancement Fund, Campus Box 7016, NC State University, Raleigh, NC or the Jonathan Ocko Fund, c/o Jeff Coates, Duke Law School, 210 Science Drive, Box 90389, Durham, NC 27708.