THE EARLY YEARS

1955: Born in San Francisco, Calif.

Education: Homestead High School, Cupertino, Calif.

HIS RISE

1976: Starts Apple Computer Co. (now Apple Inc.) with Steve Wozniak in the family garage.

1984: Unveils the first Macintosh.

1985: Forced out of Apple, starts NeXT Computer, specializing in computer workstations.

1986: Co-founds Pixar from a former Lucas film graphics unit that he reportedly bought for $10 million.

1996: Returns to Apple when the company buys NeXT.

1998: Introduces iMac, the fastest selling PC in history

2001: Launches the iPod.

2003: Introduces iTunes store

2006: Sells Pixar to Disney in a $7.4 billion deal that gives him a seat on Disney's board.

2007: Releases the iPhone.

2010: Unveils iPad, setting standard for tablets; Apple jumps ahead of Microsoft as the largest U.S. computer firm (market value).

HEALTH ISSUES

2004: Undergoes successful surgery for pancreatic cancer.

2009: Has liver transplant during six-month leave of absence.

2011: Jan. 17, announces another leave of absence to deal with health issues.

2011: Aug. 24, announces resignation as CEO.

2011: Oct. 5, dies at age 56.