William E. Bakse, Jr., father of Jackson Bakse (Class of 2014) spent his career serving his country and fellow soldiers in the Army, retiring as an ordnance officer and logistician. He was a loving and stalwart leader, the rock of his extended family. He continued his career of service as a military contractor around the world, tending to soldiers, multi-national employees, and colleagues. In times of real uncertainty, pursing work that was very challenging, Bill lived a life in which faith was a cardinal element of character and service an essential part of leadership. He believed, and often said, “the Good Lord will take care of us”. William E. Bakse, Jr. passed away on October 11, 2009. 

On August 6, 2013 the William E. Bakse, Jr. Fund was established in his memory by Bill’s mother, Meredith L. Carey and wife, Teresa Bakse. The William E. Bakse, Jr. Fund, JPII’s first endowed fund, provides financial support to individual students when their family’s resources preclude them from full participation in school academic, spiritual, athletic or co-curricular life.