JACK ANNON / 1929-2005
Clinician a pioneer in forensic psychology
Ten years ago, Jack Annon's heart stopped. He was on life support for two weeks, and his wife was preparing his funeral.
Then the Hawaii clinical psychologist whose work has garnered international recognition woke up, turned to his wife and said, "What's going on, honey?"
The decade since, said Annon's wife, "has been God's extra time."
Annon, who wrote two books, dozens of scholarly papers and was regularly called on to testify in Honolulu criminal court cases, died Christmas Eve at Kaiser Permanente's Moanalua Medical Center after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 76.
"He always worked with people, helping others," said Arvillie Ann Annon, who married the psychologist in 1962. "He never retired. It was his love, his passion."
Jack Annon was born in Chicago in 1929 and joined the Marines in his 20s.
He was stationed in the islands and decided to stay after getting out of the military to attend school. In 1963 he got his bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii and went on to receive his master's and doctorate in clinical psychology.
During his years in private practice, Annon was named to serve on the editorial boards of several psychology journals. He presented more than 500 scholarly papers at conferences and was affiliated with the University of Hawaii and Argosy University.
In 1998, Annon was the first expert in Hawaii to testify before jurors on the memory of eyewitnesses. The so-called "Mililani rapist" was later convicted, but Annon's testimony brought new light to issues involving police lineups and witness accounts.
Two years ago the American College of Forensic Examiners honored Annon with a lifetime achievement award. Annon also received commendations form the state, Honolulu Police Department and Hawaii Psychological Association.
Outside of work, Annon enjoyed performing in community theater, musicals and modern dance productions.
For a time in the '70s, his wife said, Annon was active in martial arts. The couple also enjoyed sailing together.
Besides his wife, Annon is survived by sons Jeffrey Nalanieha, Jason Kaipokea and Tyron Makua; daughter Marselene Uanoe; brother Richard Vincent; and sister Patricia Keene.
Visitation is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Kaimuki Christian Church. Services will start at 6:30 p.m. A scattering-of-ashes ceremony will be held April 9 at Punaluu Beach Park.