Thomas E Jackson

Thomas “Tom” Edward Jackson, 76, of Dover, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026

Born on November 16, 1949, in Neenah, WI, Tom was the third child of Arthur and Margaret Jackson. He grew up in a large, loving family and, from an early age, developed a passion for sports, excelling in basketball. He was also proud to be a member of the Boys Brigade, whose lessons remained with him throughout his life.

Before his senior year, Tom moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, where he graduated from Roger Ludlow High School. He went on to attend Southern Connecticut State College in New Haven, where he continued to excel on the basketball court. It was during his freshman year that he met Kathy Poole, with whom he would go on to raise four children.

Tom raised his family in Rye Beach, New Hampshire, where the home at 611 Central Rd. always had an open door and became the setting for countless memories - not only for family, but also for the hundreds of friends who passed through it. He became a larger-than-life presence in the community, spending countless hours at the Rye Recreation fields coaching soccer and baseball and forming lifelong friendships with players and coaches alike. After his coaching years wound down, he could often be found on the dance stage, taking part in many father-daughter performances and even one grandfather-granddaughter show.

Tom had an entrepreneurial spirit and was involved in a range of businesses, from an oil company to an environmentally friendly office supply business. He found his greatest professional success in the insurance field, where he built a strong career in both New England and on the West Coast. He also took great pride in giving back to the community, serving as an active member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club and as past president of the Seacoast chapter of the United Way.

In 2001, Tom took on one of his most cherished roles with the birth of his first grandson. He became affectionately known as “Gumpy.” Tom loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was making pancakes together in the kitchen, heading out to the beach, or taking walks to the waterfall. These were some of the happiest moments in his life.

In his later years, Tom embraced his spiritual side and became an active member of Bethany Church in Greenland. There, he served as a Stephen Minister, offering care and support to others in the congregation.

Tom is survived by his children: Erik Jackson and his wife, Jennifer Roneker, of Boston; Ryan Jackson and his wife, Meme Lobecker, of Kittery, Maine; Adam Jackson and his wife, Mary, of Kittery, Maine; and Kelly Ruben and her husband, Eric, of Dallas; his eight loving grandchildren, Ryder, Georgia, Nola, Violet, Asa, Romi, Torin, and Jonah; and his siblings, Cathy, Mary, Peter, Steve, and Jim.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Margaret Jackson, and his brothers Dave and Michael.

Tom will be remembered above all for the deep love he had for his family. He expressed this most clearly when he was able to gather with his four children shortly before his passing and told them he “was the luckiest father in the world.”

SERVICES: In accordance with Tom’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held this summer. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH. To view Tom's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.