James Jackson

James R. Jackson of Exeter, New Hampshire and Stonington, Maine, died on July 13, 2025 at his home in Exeter. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jean D. Jackson; his children, Brenda Clark, Karen Lopilato (Philip), and James Jackson, Jr. (Deborah); their mother, Selma Gould, predeceased him. His is also survived by his stepsons, Phillip Bourgelais (Julie) and Paul Bourgelais (Karin), and grandchildren, Bryan Riddle, Corey and Kevin Clark, Douglas and Gregory Jackson, Christian Andrews, Addison Bourgelais and several great grandchildren.

Born on March 1, 1935 in Exeter, NH, Jim grew up on the Parkman Farm in Stratham, NH with his father, George R. Jackson. At an early age, Jim knew he wanted to fly and soloed in a Piper J-3 Cub at the Portsmouth Airport, at the age of 16. After graduating from Exeter High School in 1953, he joined the Air Force and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean Conflict. Using the GI Bill, he attended American Flyers Flight School. Following graduation, he worked as a flight instructor and as a corporate pilot before joining the airlines. Jim was a pilot for Northeast Airlines and Delta Airlines for 28 years. 

In retirement, Jim continued to fly a series of “little planes”.

Always a support of General Aviation, Jim built 38 GA hangars at Portsmouth International Airport. As a volunteer pilot, he flew for Angel Flight, NE. For the past 17 years, he volunteered to maintain the Stonington Airport in Maine, where he spent several months each year. While there, Jim enjoyed using his small plane to provide aerial tours of the Maine Islands for friends and family.

ARRANGEMENTS: A family gathering will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Hampton. Donations in his memory can be made to the Stonington Airport, Stonington Airport Fund, Stonington Town Hall, Main Street, Stonington, Maine 04681. To view James's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://csnh.com.