Jack Segal, a retired senior U.S diplomat and former co-chair of the International Affairs Forum in Traverse City, died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a recent cancer diagnosis. 

Along with his wife Karen, Segal "opened the first western diplomatic mission to the 40 million people of Central Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union," according to his obituary. "In addition to postings in Israel, Russia, Botswana, Greece, the White House, and the Netherlands, he served as Political Advisor to the NATO Commander responsible for operations in Afghanistan for ten years. In that capacity, he made 40 trips to Afghanistan."

Segal's diplomatic career was "prompted and shaped by two tours of duty in Vietnam after he was drafted in the late 1960s. He was awarded the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division in Dau Tieng during the Tet Offensive, and at the 25th Infantry Division Headquarters at Cu Chi. Never one to take easy assignments, Jack handled many crises during his 35 year diplomatic career," his obituary states.

Segal later retired to Traverse City, where he co-chaired the International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College with Karen. "He discovered a love and true talent as a teacher, offering many highly sought-after classes on foreign policy both at NMC and at Norwich University where he developed a unique class on ‘diplomacy in action’ for students pursuing a master’s degree," the obituary states. "He advised and helped many young people interested in a diplomatic career. He and Karen were named NMC Fellows in 2024, Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor."

NMC President Nick Nissley said in a letter to the college community that for more than 15 years, "Jack brought this experience as a senior U.S. diplomat and foreign service officer into our NMC classrooms and community learning spaces, teaching courses and leading conversations on world affairs through Extended Education & Training and the International Affairs Forum. Through his teaching, Jack helped students and community members alike understand global issues not as abstractions, but as human, complex, and consequential realities."

Nissley said that commitment was "evident earlier this month when Jack met with the International Affairs Forum Student Leadership Team. Rather than speaking at the students, he took time to speak with each of them individually, listening carefully and engaging with genuine interest. It was a simple moment that reflected a belief Jack carried throughout his life: that real understanding comes from listening to those closest to the work."

According to Nissley, Segal "believed deeply in education, public service, and the power of informed conversation. Northwestern Michigan College and the broader community it serves are better because of his presence, his leadership, and his example. On behalf of Northwestern Michigan College, I extend my deepest condolences to Karen, their family and all who were fortunate to learn from Jack, work alongside him or know him as a friend."

Segal was a longtime member of Traverse City’s Temple Beth Shalom. Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg will conduct a funeral service at 11am on Thursday, February 5 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. The service will be followed by internment in the Jewish section of Oakwood Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome. The service will be available live on RJFH.tv.