Jaksa put his studies on hold at the University of Michigan and attended the Joe Brinkman Umpire School in 1984. Upon graduation from the program, he entered professional baseball and umpired in the Appalachian League (1984), Midwest League (1985-1987), Carolina League (1988), and Southern League (1989).
This passage describes Jaksa's transition from academic pursuits to a professional baseball umpiring career. He took time off his studies at the University of Michigan to attend the Joe Brinkman Umpire School and then began working in various minor league leagues.