You Can with Beakman Creator Jok Church Dies

Kansas City, MO (May 4, 2016)— Universal Uclick is saddened to announce that Jok Church, creator of the remarkable You Can With Beakman & Jax, passed away on Friday, April 29, at the age of 66 due to a heart attack. 

A natural and energetic teacher, Jok used his strip to explain to kids an often large and intimidating world. He highlighted many of its wondrous aspects and touted the accomplishments of thinkers, dreamers, and inventors. Whether defining the characteristics of electricity or explaining how an eraser serves its purpose, Jok was an adept writer whose voice made complicated concepts easier to understand and who shone a light on a few of the underappreciated, unrecognized, and unheralded individuals who made our world what it is today. 

You Can utilizes a Q&A format, through which young readers submit simple, yet profound, questions such as “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why do we get goosebumps?” or “How does popcorn work?” Beakman Place and his sister, Jax, then proceeded to answer each question as thoroughly as possible. Many times, a safe experiment is included for readers to perform at home, allowing them to learn more about a particular scientific concept while encouraging their curiosity. 

You Can With Beakman and Jax debuted in 1991 and has more than 100 clients.  It was adapted for television in the mid-1990s as Beakman’s World.  Ninety-one episodes of Beakman’s World were produced, and the series aired in 90 countries at its peak.  It is also the subject of six books from Andrews McMeel Publishing.  

Jok will be missed by his young reader fans and his Universal Uclick family.

Media Contact: 

Julie Bunge, Andrews McMeel Universal

816-581-7490

jbunge@amuniversal.com