John Michael " Jack " Byrom

December 21, 1952  ~  December 12, 1995

Bakersfield psychologist Jack Byrom, president of the Kern County Psychological Assoc. and former mental health officer, has passed away. He was 42.

"He's going to be missed very much" said psychologist Dean Haddock, who had been friends with Byrom since were twelve. "He was just a good guy."

Byrom died Tuesday December 12, 1995 from cancer, Unlike many cancer patients, his death was unexpected. He died while surgeons were trying to remove what they believed was a cyst on his kidney.

Byrom specialized in forensic psychology, evaluating sex offenders and criminal defendants for the court system. He was one of five court certified psychologists in Kern County.

A Bakersfield native, John Michael Byrom was born December 21, 1952. He grew up in Rexland Acres.

He graduated from Greenfield Junior School in 1966 and from West HIgh School in 1970. In 1972, he earned an associate's degree from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.

After college, Byrom and Haddock worked as psychiatric technicians at Atascadero State Hospital, which houses sex offenders and the criminally insane. In 1974 they returned to Bakersfield and worked Kern Medical Center emergency room.

Byrom earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Bakersfield in 1977. he received a doctorate in psychology from the Professional School of Psychology in Fresno in 1982. He wrote his thesis on sports psychology.

He was hired by the Kern County Mental Health Department in 1982. From 1984 to 1993 he was the assistant director of community counseling and psychological services. He had worked in private practice for the past two years.

"Jack had a great sense of humor," Haddock said. "He loved to hear and tell a good joke." Byrom's interests included tennis, hunting, shooting, sports trivia,and classic cars.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda; sons Cale, 15, and Drew, 12; a daughter, 10 year old Paige; his father, Ellis "Bones" Byrom of Bakersfield;and mother and stepfather; Dorothy and Frank "Bud" Loustalot of Bakersfield.

A memorial service was held at 1:00 pm at Laureglen Bible Church. Pastor Paul Robie officiated. In lieu of flowers donations were made to a trust fund for Byrom's children.

Source: Bakersfield, Californian