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Ronald Jarnagin Obituary
December 13, 1946 - December 9, 2024
Richland, Washington - Ronald "Ron" Edwin Jarnagin was born December 13, 1946, and peacefully passed away with his wife and daughter by his side on December 9, 2024, in Richland, WA. Ron was born in Shreveport, LA, but grew up in Baton Rouge. Ron loved learning, as evidenced by his multiple degrees. His first from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, he returned stateside and earned his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida, Ron took a position as a Professor in the Engineering Department. Ron relocated to Washington State after marrying his wife Linda in 1988. Ron retired in 2012 after 25 years with the Pacific Northwest National Lab as a Senior Research Engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Gordon Jarnagin. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter Kaitlin and her husband Jacob of Richland, and sister Mary Ann Just and her husband Eli, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Ron received many accolades throughout his schooling and career including Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges (1978), Energy 100 Award (2001), and Tri-Cities Engineer of the Year (2004). Ron was most active with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Throughout his career, he served ASHRAE at the regional, national and international levels. From June 2011 to June 2012, he served as the President of ASHRAE's Board of Directors, representing and providing leadership to thousands of members worldwide. Ron traveled over 300 days that year, inspiring engineers around the world. Ron's presidential theme, "Sustaining ASHRAE Through Leadership," was unique as it was not technical in nature. It highlighted his love of ASHRAE and of all its members, but especially the young engineers just joining the society. Aside from his time spent with ASHRAE, Ron loved watching his LSU Tigers, cooking meals on his Traeger, golfing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
A service will be held January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Jarnagin
Pete Taylor
January 16, 2025
Roomate, Friend, Best man in my wedding, Godfather to my first child. My life is richer for having known Ron.
Srinivas Katipamula
January 10, 2025
Linda and family, I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed many conversation that we had in the corridors of 2400 Stevens over the years.
Jian Zhang
January 9, 2025
Linda and family, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I had quite some interactions with Ron during my early career at PNNL and at our ASHRAE Mid-Columbia chapter meetings. Ron has inspired a lot of junior S&Es in the lab and at ASHRAE, including myself, about their career and impacts. He had a great life and he will be remembered!
Jim Haberman, Oregon Chapter ASHRAE Past-President and Region XI RVC
January 8, 2025
I´m so sorry and sadden to hear about the passing of Ron. Gone too soon. He was a GREAT guy. A GREAT engineer. I always enjoyed talking with him. He was always looking for a better understanding of issues and a best way to improve them for ASHRAE and everyone that benefits for this work. He will be missed.
Gordon Holness
January 8, 2025
Linda - We are so sorry for your loss. I pray that the many great memories you have of Ron will lift your spirits at this time.
It was a privilege for Audrey and I to get to know you and Ron over our years together, attending ASHRAE meetings and events going back so many years.
The friendship we developed began over 30 years ago and I can say, from experience, that the fine obituary statement only touches on his contribution to the Society, our Industry and the public at large. We will all miss him.
Cathy Louie
January 3, 2025
Linda, I´m so sorry Ron has left us. Prayers to you and your family for comfort and healing.
Cathy Poynor
January 3, 2025
Linda and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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