Prof. Ismael Jampayas, 89

By Cristina DC Pastor

Another pillar of the community has died.

Ismael Jampayas, Honorary Grand Marshal of PAFCOM 2023, passed away on December 28 from cardiac arrest. He was 89 years old.

Jampayas — fondly called Mike by close friends — told me he worked as a Professor of Clinical Pathology and Coordinator of Clinical Pathology Internship Training Program at Columbia University Harlem Hospital Center and later became an Officer of Columbia University.

“I was also an adjunct professor of microbiology in several schools namely, York College, NY Technical College, NY Institute of Technology, Hostos Community College and Long Island University, my alma mater.

“I retired at Columbia University Harlem Hospital Center as a Professor of Clinical Pathology and at the same time Laboratory Supervisor and Coordinator of Clinical Pathology Internship Program. After I retired and left Columbia University, I taught Microbiology part time at different schools namely York College, NY Technical College, NY Institute of Technology, Hostos Community College and Long Island University, my alma matter.”

Mike gave me a rundown of his academic background as I was working on a commemorative project for PAFCOM.

He would be an Honorary Grand Marshal of PIDCI two years later. PIDCI President Arman David recounted how Mike and his wife Josie were initially reluctant to assume the role they felt they were unqualified for. But Arman assured them their community involvement of many years was invaluable.

“I will not forget their humility and kindness,” he said when reached by The FilAm. “I’m so happy they accepted.”

Another reason for the reluctance was that Mike had difficulty walking. The couple could not imagine how they could march at the Philippine Independence Day parade on Madison Avenue.

Arman said they pulled out all the stops so he could participate: PIDCI had a golfing cart bring them to Madison and from there they rode a top-down vehicle for the duration of the parade. “He was so happy,” said Arman.

From an article published in the online news website www.Marivirmontebon.com, we learn that Mike began to get involved with the community when he founded the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) in New York where he served as president in 1984.

“Mike is a self-made man who acquired his collegiate and advanced studies in New York by working full-time in day and studying at night. A highly pious man, he attributes his success to God’s grace, and never to his own effort alone.

“Mike is a native of Davao City who graduated at the top of his class in elementary and high school. His leadership was evident at a young age, being president of their high school student organization.  

“Mike’s parents sent him to Silliman University in Dumaguete and then to Far Eastern University in Manila to become a doctor. Upon the wishes of his aunt, he came to New York to study. But the staggering cost of education made him shift courses and work his way through college.  

“Mike finished his bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in microbiology at Long Island University in Brooklyn. He was a dean’s lister and president of the international student organization.  He discontinued his doctoral studies because it required full-time research for his thesis. He had to choose work to earn a living. 

“Mike worked as a clinical laboratory scientist at St. Luke’s Hospital, Beth Israel, and Flatbush General Hospital. His longest stint was with Columbia University-Harlem Hospital Center – where he became laboratory supervisor and coordinator of Clinical Pathology  Internship Program coordinator for 25 years. He availed of Columbia’s Graduate Program to finish his master’s degree in public health in 1985.”

“Mike is involved in various community organizations such as  the SOP Medical Lions Club, Philippine Charities of America, New York Balita, the Knights of Rizal, Friends Indeed, Inc., and the Davaoeno Association.  

“Mike has an only son, James, a pharmacist, from his first marriage to the late Leticia Pangilinan. He enjoys being grandfather to his two grandsons, Jaden and Asthen.

“On January 10, 2015, he married Josephine Neri. They live in Jamaica, Queens.”