Best way to install Java JAR files (java packaging)

[RalfGesellensetter <rgx@gmx.de>]

Dear list,

nowadays there are dozens of free java applications that are valuable 
for education. Some of those are even quoted in standard school books:

geonext [1]
geogebra [2]

to name two from the mathematical branch. Then we have JFractionLab [3] 
(better than kbruch), and for "Informatique" we use BlueJ [4], JavaKara 
[5] and Jrpologedit [6] (those are non-GPL).

Unless there is a general install routine (which takes care of 
classpaths etc.) the common way of installation is:

 A. Create an application directory - say /usr/local/lib/bluej  
 B. Move the JAR file and other stuff needed into this folder;
 C. Create an executable shell script to start the application, say:
    /usr/bin/java -jar /usr/local/lib/bluej/bluej22.jar
 D. Create a shortcut for the Desktop-Menu (assign Icon symbol).
   (This step is the most challanging and time consuming to me)

I feel that (especially for GPLed JAR files) these steps should be made 
easier. As far as I know you will need the source files in order to 
create propper Debian packages. But there are also more 
technical/assisting install-packages (e.g. googleearth-package) that 
only take the binary (JAR file here) from the web and generate a DEB 
installation wrapper.

Any suggestions here?

How can we support teachers/admins who like to have an easy way to 
rollout free educational jar files? A mere wrapper/shell script could 
work - but: I prefer having installed packeges being reported to 
popularity-contest.

Thanks for any hints,
regards
Ralf