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Robert Donald "Jake" Highton
1931 - 2017
Robert Donald "Jake" Highton
1931 - 2017
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Robert Highton Obituary
January 14, 1931
August 7, 2017
Jake Highton died at his home of a heart attack on August 7, 2017. He was 86 years old. Jake was born Robert Donald Highton in New York City, New York on January 14, 1931. His parents were Herbert Donald Highton and Elizabeth Dickson.
Jake graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Arts in journalism from Ohio State University. He worked for the Baltimore Evening Sun, the Los Angeles Times, the Detroit News, was a columnist for the Sparks Tribune and an occasional contributor for the Reno News and Review. Jake taught journalism at Wayne State University in Detroit, University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Nevada Reno for 30 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Highton Foxton, daughters: Jeannette (Jett) Highton Stansbury, Valerie Highton (Michael Pagnotta) and Victoria Highton Moloney (Kevin). Stepdaughters: Jacqueline Blake Holmes (Curt), Laurette Looney (Gino Puccinelli) and Christine Pilkey (Robert). Granddaughters: Monika Stansbury, Nikki Stansbury and Kamryn Moloney. Step grandchildren: Douglas Bodtcher, David Bodtcher, Erin Looney, Adrianne Goff, Carly Hupalo, Luke Pilkey and Ryan Miller. Step great grandchildren: Sofia Goff, Cassidy Bodtcher, Hillary Bodtcher, Palmer Bodtcher and Chase Bodtcher.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 3 pm at the UNR Knowledge Center, main floor Rotunda. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the UNR Jake Highton Scholarship Endowment. UNR Foundation, Mail Stop 0162, Reno, NV 89557 (For checks, please note in the memo line "Jake Highton Scholarship Endowment") or online at http://giving.unr.edu/ and select Jake Highton Scholarship Endowment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jackie Blake Holmes
August 20, 2024
Jake at Encinitas in May of 2017. We miss him and talk of him often.
2016 Thanksgiving. Jake with his beloved wife Mary
Jackie Holmes
August 20, 2020
Miss Jake so much.
December 15, 2017
To friends and family of Jake Highton:
Professor Hiighton was an outstanding journalism instructor when I was one of his students at Wayne State University in Detroit. He was also a mentor and friend during my 24 years as a reporter at The Detroit News and 18 years as Administratative Officer at the Newspaper Guild of Detroit.
Jake taught me everything I knew about being a reporter. Many of his students went on to become professional journalists at a number of newspapers including the News and the Detroit Free Press.
Unlike so many J-Schools, Jake ran his reporting classes like a city desk conducting mock press conferences, having us write on deadline and going outside the classroom to work on assignments.
As a Wayne student, I had a part-time sports writing job at the Macomb Daily, which included having press credentials for all Detroit Red Wings home games. As my guest, he once joined me in the press box at Olympia Stadium for a Wings game, and he used it as a teaching moment for me while I'm sure he used the experience for his classes.
Jake enjoyed watching the other reporters doing their work in the press box, filing stories on edition deadline and observing the wire service reporters file their copy with the Western Union operator stationed there.
He joined the reporters for the post game interviews in the Wings' locker room where he could listen to comments made by NHL greats like Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio and Frank Mahovlich.
After graduation, he would closely follow my work at the News including when he would work several summers as an editorial writer.
I couldn't have succeeded in my craft without the lessons he taught me. Jake was a tough, but fair taskmaster, who would ruthlessly edit your copy marking it up with his infamous red pen. But you learned from your mistakes and he made you a better writer and reporter.
I shall always cherish my memories of him. Lorri, my wife who first met Jake when we were both Wayne State students, mourn his passing.
Lou & Lorri Mleczko
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
STACEY KENDRICK
October 23, 2017
To Professor Highton's family, my deepest condolences. I loved a respected him. He was my professor at UNR but also my professor and friend during a semester in London, with a travel abroad program.. He was the one professor that pushed me to my potential and made me a decent writer. We all attended rugby games, toured London, ate dinners etc. I stayed in touch by occasionally calling or emailing. He was always sweet, yet professional... until Mary. He told me in an email he had found love... that his life was changed, that he was changed, because of his wife. I am so sorry for your loss, Mary.
Stacey Redmon Kendrick
[email protected]
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Eileen and Bill Aragon
August 26, 2017
So many others share your loss. Jake made a huge impact on Journalism, students, professionals and fans of his writing and quick wit. Only his family shared the special part of Jake as a dad, grandfather, husband and member of his extended family. Cherish your very special memories and laugh and share those events that were unique. My heart goes out to Vic and Cam and Vic's sisters. You shared a legend with the world.
Jackie Holmes
August 26, 2017
We grieve deeply at our loss of Jake. The memories of happier times with him and my Mom just bring more tears right now. We miss him so much.
Jax and Curt Holmes
Donna Hacker
August 25, 2017
I am saddened to hear of the death of Professor Highton. He was not only my teacher, but also my friend. I learned more about writing from him than all of my English and journalism teachers combined. That is not hyperbole.
My deepest sympathy to the Highton family. Your husband, father and grandfather was one of the most sensitive and loving men I have ever met.
Donna Rogers Hacker, Class of 1995
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