Lasting Memories

Jack Holloway
July 10, 1945-July 9, 2023
Atherton, California

Jack T. Holloway, Pioneer in Artificial Intelligence Research

Jack Holloway, a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and sailor from Atherton, California, died at Stanford Hospital on July 9, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 77.

Jack was born in Winchester, Massachusetts. His enthusiasm and passion for learning, discovery and science was evident from a young age. In high school, he was selected as a national scholar by the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Jack attended MIT and while there, joined Dr. Marvin Minsky’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. One of the most respected “hackers” in the lab, he mentored a team of other remarkable computer scientists.

As a member of the AI lab, he explored how to endow machines with perception and intelligence. As an early pioneer in the development of AI, he logged many breakthroughs in chip design, CAD system design and computer animation. At MIT, he was a leading proponent of LISP computer language and one of the architects of the first LISP machines. Following his time at MIT, Jack was involved with a number of companies, including as co-founder of Symbolics.

In 1996, he co-founded Epigram, a computer networking company with Ed Frank. Epigram was acquired by Broadcom in 1999. As CTO of Epigram, and CTO of the home networking division of Broadcom, Jack provided leadership in creating 10mbps phone line networking at Epigram, and 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi at Broadcom. Indeed, that “WiFi” has become synonymous with “Internet” is due in no small part to Jack’s vision.

Jack was an avid sailor who loved nothing better than to be on the water, winning races or cruising off the coast of New England. He enjoyed photography and capturing magical moments of travels with his family and friends on all points across the globe.

Leaving to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Anne, with whom he shared 32 years of love and companionship and their son Michael; his son Nathaniel and his brother Peter Holloway and a host of friends and colleagues.

As we mourn Jack’s loss, we celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishments. Jack will be remembered for not only his technical brilliance but also his wonderful sense of humor and deep love and commitment to family and friends. He will remain in our hearts as a rare and remarkable man who graced our lives with his kindness.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be planned for a future date. Jack and Anne have a special commitment to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for its work in Parkinson’s research. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation would be gratefully appreciated. July 16, 2023