Former econ department chair dies at 73

Retired economics professor John Vernon passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest Oct. 26.

Vernon, 73, served as chair of the economics department from 1987 to 1989. He arrived at Duke after earning his Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1966, and stayed at Duke for more than four decades before retiring in 2007.

The professor was an “honest and compassionate colleague” who was dedicated to the students he instructed, Henry Grabowski, professor emeritus of economics and a friend of Vernon, said in a Duke press release.

“We co-authored dozens of papers from the time I came to Duke in the 1970s,” Grabowski said. “John contributed his unique insights, enthusiasm and determination, and it was my good fortune to work with him on many interesting economic issues and policy problems.”

In 1972, Vernon became a full professor and published more than nine books in subsequent years. His research centered on industrial organization and regulation, according to the release. His articles were published in a number of top academic journals for economics.

Daniel Graham, professor of economics, said Vernon had “a remarkable talent for playing practical jokes” on his friends and colleagues.

“When John was on leave in England with Jerry, some of his former victims, virtually the entire department as I recall, conspired to take revenge,” Graham said in the release. “While the details of this and other similar events are best omitted, it’s impossible to remember any of them without smiling. No one ever had a better friend than John.”

A memorial service will honor Vernon Saturday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. at the Howerton & Bryan Funeral Chapel in Durham.