ST. LOUIS—Donald E. Jarnagin, OD, a past president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), passed away March 3, according to an AOA announcement last week. Jarnagin, who served as the 74th president of AOA, was “a charismatic educator and mentor, and a passionate optometric leader who pioneered the advancement of the profession,” AOA said in its announcement. Jarnagin, who was 74, passed following a long battle with cancer while on a mission trip in Guatemala, the association noted. Jarnagin, who resided in Peoria, Ariz., is remembered not only for his professional leadership as AOA president (1995-96), and Arizona Optometric Association (AZOA) president (1977-78), but also for being an ardent champion for students, faculty and staff alike at Midwestern University (MWU) and Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT), AOA said.

A graduate of Arizona State University and the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) in 1970, Jarnagin was drafted into the U.S. Army as a captain and optometry officer in the Medical Service Corps, where he served from 1971-1973 and received an Army Commendation Medal. He then returned to Arizona and entered private practice with his own personal doctor of optometry who had provided his vision care as a youth. Less than a decade later, Dr. Jarnagin would ascend AZOA's leadership as president and later as AOA president. He served more than 30 years in private practice, caring for the Arizona community of Glendale and the West Valley, before starting a new chapter as optometric educator and leader, according to the AOA announcement.

In 2007, Dr. Jarnagin joined AZCOPT faculty and began providing care at the MWU Multispecialty Clinic. Only three years later, he would be appointed as interim dean. He led the college until his retirement in 2016 but continued inspiring students and faculty alike as a mentor and fervent volunteer, according to the AOA announcement.

He also was a “founding father” of the Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO), and was recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including "OD of the Year" from the Central Arizona Optometry Society, AZOA and GWCO. MWU awarded him the “Shooting Star Award” for community service along with his wife, Sharon.

Involved in numerous community service organizations, Dr. Jarnagin was passionate volunteering with MWU/DOCARE multidisciplinary medical missions to Guatemala that provide eyecare and glasses to underserved populations. It was on one of these recent volunteer trips that he passed away, according to AOA’s announcement.

Jarnagin was a devoted spouse, father and grandfather, and he enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Sharon, and spending time with his children Matt, Pam, Josh, and Becky; grandchildren Kenzie, Teagan, Megan, and Mitch; and siblings Kay and Larry, according to the Midwestern University announcement of his death.
Memorial services are pending, according to AOA.