Jude J. Height, Soldier, Scientist, Father, Life Explorer. On 9 September 2022, Jude was tragically taken from his family and friends, unexpectedly. As a true enthusiast of life, love, the sciences, logic, family, forgiveness, adventures, and evolution, he would push those around him to live life to the fullest and often quote, “Make the difficult look easy and the impossible look difficult”. As a true intellect, Jude initiated his academic, professional and leadership careers by graduating with a B.Sc. Biology degree from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1974, enlisting with honorable discharge in the U.S. Army from 1978 through 1982, and thereon joining the Chemical Systems Laboratory as a civilian in 1982, as well as demonstrating Ph.D. Candidacy from University of Maryland in 1994. During his U.S. Army enlistment, Jude discovered his life passion of chem-bio defense and protecting the warfighter through countless years of dedication and collaboration to establish foundational research to protect his nation, our people, and the warfighter. The military provided his first catalyst in specialized educational training, Principles and Practices of Toxicology and the Toxicology Training Program, completed 1980-1981. Jude’s career spanned over 40 years of esteemed selfless service to the U.S. Army, Nation and Chemical Biological Center as a research chemist, which he would often say he would work till he died, due to the love of his work, colleagues and the resources he utilized daily to create and validate science. His mirrored life passion and his number one priority was family. Jude learned time was his most valuable asset and he was dedicated to building and maintaining loving, strong, and dependable family relationships, which he shared countless hours with his surviving children and grandchildren. Jude is survived by Kristin Height, daughter, and spouse Michael Hankey; Will Height, son, and wife Rachel Steffan; Aidan Height, Ethan Webber and Michael Hankey, grandchildren and former spouse, Cindy Height. Additionally, Jude is survived by six siblings, Regina Bevan, James (Desiree) Height, William (Sharon) Height, Jr., Francis (Simon) Peter, Bridget (James) Apolinaro, John (Carrie) Height and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He is proceeded by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Height, Sr., two siblings, Anthony and Paul Height and Brother in-law Rick Bevan.
Jude enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends at home, local outings, vacations, dinners, sporting and music venues, and had a directive to support STEM involvement for children. “Activity” might have been his pseudo middle name, which he thoroughly enjoyed kayaking, fishing, exercising, swimming, traveling, eating healthy, SKIING and the list goes on. He loved to be surround by motivated, transparent and driven individuals and took true consideration in influencing youth in positive ways via STEM programs. A memorial service will take place on 5 November 2022, 10 AM EST at St. Patrick’s Church located at 615 Congress Ave, Havre De Grace, MD 21078. Condolences may be sent to St. Patrick’s Church, if desired.
In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift in honor of Jude J. Height can be designated to “Family and Children Programs” and “Ashley Clubhouse” for children resources local to Harford County via Donate | Havre de Grace Maryland | Ashley Treatment (www.ashleytreatment.org/donate/ and input the designations above). Jude cherished the opportunity to give back to the children and pave healthy paths and opportunities, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.