Thomas W. Jackson

Thomas William Jackson Jr. 1948 - 2025 Sarasota, Florida Thomas William Jackson, Jr., born on July 8, 1948, passed away on January 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Plainfield, NJ to Thomas William Jackson, Sr. and Nancy Teipel Jackson. He had two brothers, Rick Jackson of Tampa, FL and Michael Jackson (wife Carol) of El Cajon, CA, and Sister in Law Barbara (Edward) Walters. He resided in Lakewood Ranch, FL with his wife of 45 years Debbie (Dillon) Jackson and his daughter Sarah Jackson. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Jennifer, his parents, his brother Rick, his nephew Michael Jackson, and his nephew Jim Walters. He is survived by his aunts Susan Murphy and Debby Zindell of Connecticut as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and cousins.

Tom grew up in Scotch Plains, NJ where he graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood high school in 1966. While in high school, he played football and was the Captain of the 1965 team. He was voted All-Conference, All-Area, All-County, second team All-State Best Offensive lineman.

Jackson enjoyed an outstanding collegiate playing career at Penn State, earning All-East honors as an offensive guard. He was a three-year varsity starter as a standout offensive lineman and played in post season bowl competition in each of his three years as a starter. Penn State played in the 1967 Gator bowl, the 1968 and 1969 Orange Bowls. His last two seasons his team had a perfect 22-0 record. Tom served as a captain of the Nittany Lions in his senior year.

In 1970, Jackson received his B.S. degree in health, physical education and recreation from Penn State, and he also earned a master's degree in physical education from Cortland (NY) State College in 1975. After graduating from Penn State, Tom coached the offensive line for one year at his alma mater before filling the same role at Watchung Hills (NJ) Regional High School for two years. He then served as an assistant coach at Cortland State College for four years before being named offensive line coach at Millersville State (PA) and serving there for one season.

He joined the Connecticut football staff in 1978 as offensive line coach, became the offensive coordinator in the 1980 season, and was named Assistant Head Football Coach in the 1982 season.

He was named the 25th head football coach at the University of Connecticut in December, 1982 and served until his retirement in 1993. He was voted 1986 Yankee Conference Coach of the year and UPI New England Coach of the Year.

After retiring from coaching, he worked in Human Resources at Edwards Systems Technology in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Throughout his retirement, he continuously received notes and cards from his former players thanking him for the positive role he played in their lives and success that brought him great joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Building Fund at Our Lady of the Angels.