Alumnus Jacob “Jake” B. Huffman passed away on June 5 in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 94. Born on a farm near Maggie, Virginia, Huffman attended schools in Roanoke before entering Virginia Tech, where he earned his bachelor’s in 1941.

After serving five years with the U.S. Army during WWII, he received his master’s in 1947 and his doctorate in 1953 from Duke University. He joined the University of Florida’s School of Forestry as assistant professor of forest products utilization and spent the duration of his career there, eventually earning the title professor emeritus. Considered an expert in wood technology, Huffman was a Registered Forester and served as a student recruiter and advisor working with 29 community colleges in Florida.

Huffman directed the Wood Preservation Test Area at the Austin Cary Memorial Forest for over 35 years; the site is recognized as one of the three most important field test sites in the country. He also served many clients through his Wood Consulting Services business.

“Dr. Jacob Huffman’s passion and commitment to the forestry profession was incredible. He left his fond memories at Virginia Tech in the form of an annual scholarship in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation,” said Department Head Janaki Alavalapati, who worked with Huffman at the University of Florida. “Dr. Huffman was a passionate forester; I cherish my memories with him.”

Read the full obituary.

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