Dr. John W. "Jack" Renner (1924-1991) was a professor of Science Education and Physics at the University of Oklahoma. His research on science learning was strongly influenced by a combination of Jean Piaget’s ideas on intellectual development and his own commitment to independent thought and action. The first issue of JRST (Spring, 1963) contained an article by John W. Renner on science understanding by junior high school students. During the next 25 years, he became a major influence in science education through his research and teaching. He received many awards during this time for his outstanding work in science education and he served in important leadership positions, including NARST President, 1979-1980, and Program Chair, 1978-1979 and 1980-1981 (JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING VOL. 29, NO. 2, P. 103 (1992)).