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Submitted: 1/22/23 • Approved: 1/28/23 • Last Updated: 1/31/23 • R1466404-G0-S3
FIRST LIEUTENANT US Army
Korea
December 6, 1929 - October 29, 2019
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Saturday, November 3, 2019
Dr. John Nelson "Jack" Marr passed away October 29, 2019 in Fayetteville, Ark. at Washington Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born on December 6, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, to Ruby and Nelson Marr. He was raised in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Central High School. He received his BA in 1956 from the University of Michigan after serving as a First Lieutenant with the Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War. During his time of service to the country, he met his beloved wife, Josephine, proposing to her after only one date. Fortunately for our family, she said "yes", and they married December 4, 1954.
He received his PhD in psychology in 1961 from Michigan State University. After first being hired as an assistant professor at Xavier University in Cincinnati, he was recruited by and hired at the University of Arkansas in 1966. There, he taught countless graduate and undergraduate students for over 30 years. His specialties included learning theories, childhood, and cognitive behavioral psychology. In 1975, Dr. Marr was awarded the prestigious Teaching and Research Award by the Alumni Association. During his career, he published five books and over 40 research articles. After Dr. Marr's retirement with Professor Emeritus status, he proceeded to become the Director of the Behavior Therapy and Counseling Clinic in Fayetteville, AR, where he held a clinical psychological practice until his retirement in 2013.
Dr. Marr was instrumental in designing and initiating the behavioral approach used in the Arkansas Prison System as well as the rehabilitation facilities across 22 states. His approach promoted better conduct of inmates and strived to improve conditions, and reduce the recidivism rate of prisoners and improved the rehabilitation opportunities of those affected with developmental disabilities. In 1988, Dr. Marr was appointed by the Honorable Judge Henry Woods to oversee the treatment of employed individuals with dual diagnoses of mental retardation with mental illnesses, and his actions resulted in those employees receiving over two million dollars in salary raises that year.
In 1976, Dr. Marr was selected by the University of Arkansas as one of twelve faculty to speak during the United States Bicentennial. In 1987, after providing consultative services to the University of Arkansas men's basketball team, in an effort to improve players' free throw shooting percentages by teaching them relaxation techniques, he received a letter from then-Coach Nolan Richardson, expressing his thanks and crediting Dr. Marr with the team's improvements.
He served as president of the Arkansas Psychological Association, president of the American Association of University Professors at the University of Arkansas, and Chairman of the Board of the Fayetteville Humane Society.
Dr. Marr is preceded in death, by his mother, Ruby Regosch, step-father, Francis Regosch, his father, Nelson Marr, brother, James "Jim" Marr, and grandson, Colton Marr.
"Sir Jack" as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren, is survived by his wife of 64 years, Josephine "Jo" Marr, of Fayetteville, his children, Brian Marr (Kristen) of Little Rock, Amy Wilbourn (Jason Watson) of Fayetteville, grandchildren Taylor Wilbourn, Caroline Wilbourn, Beau Marr, and Holly Marr, along with the notorious "Curmudgeon" group with whom he enjoyed weekly lunches and spirited conversations for many years.
Private interment with military honors will take place next week at the National Cemetery located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A memorial and celebration of his life is planned to take place on what would have been his 90th birthday, December 6th, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his honor to the Fayetteville Animal Services shelter program, 1640 Armstrong Ave., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guest book visit www.nelsonberna.com.
Contributed on 1/22/23 by judyfrog
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Record #: 1466404