Thomas (Tom) W. Jackson, Sr. entered his eternal resting place on February 19, 2026. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 75 years old.
Tom Jackson was the son of Bernard and Eileen Jackson of Dundalk, Maryland. He grew up with four siblings: Eileen Kalwa (husband Bob), Delores Prescott (husband Ron), Richard Jackson (wife Irene), and Joseph Jackson (wife Joy). Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Eileen Jackson, sister Eileen Kalwa, and brother-in-law Ron Prescott. He graduated from Dundalk High School, class of 1969. A Navy veteran, Tom served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate for four years.
Tom was the loving husband of Denise Gensler Jackson for fifty-four years. He was the devoted father to daughter Mary “Christy” Weller (husband Buddy), and son Thomas (TJ) W. Jackson, Jr. (wife Vicki), and Foster Father of Durius Coulibaly (wife Sophonie). He worked diligently to provide his children with the opportunity to achieve their dreams for education and their future careers. He celebrated the many successes of their lives.
Tom immensely enjoyed being the grandfather of eleven grandchildren: Tony, Emily, Jeffery, Sharilyn, J.P., and Lori Weller, Caleb Jackson, Biko, Gnele, Sophonie, and Blessing Coulibaly. He will always be remembered as the Grandpoppy who was Santa Claus.
The Jackson family made frequent moves due to Tom’s career. They lived in Baltimore, MD, Summit Point, WV, Fredrick, MD, and finally in Gettysburg, PA. Tom and Denise retired to Myrtle Beach for three years. Their final landing place is in Fairfield, PA.
Tom was fondly remembered as the Go-To-Fix-it-Guy for any unsolvable issues with cranky computers before retiring from Ft Letterkenny. He also had the moniker of “Papa Smurf.”
Tom was a quiet man who lived his faith but made a big difference in the lives of many young people. He was known to open his heart and his home to misplaced youth. He and Denise created a ministry for pregnant adolescents in West Virginia. For six years, they focused on mentoring and assisting young women in crisis pregnancies. While living in Maryland, they provided shelter and offered support for homeless youth.
Tom lived the life of a servant. An avid music lover, Tom sang in the choirs of the churches he was a member of. He was affectionately called the Donut Man at St. John the Evangelist in Frederick, where he organized coffee and donuts after two Masses every Sunday for six years. He served on many parish councils and assumed leadership roles when he was able.
His greatest joy was being an active member of the Real Bearded Santa Professional Organization. Shhhh…. His big white beard and hair came in handy.
There will be viewings at Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA, on Thursday, February 26th, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00. On Friday, February 27th, there will be a 10:00 a.m. viewing prior to Mass at St. Mary’s, 256 Tract Rd., Fairfield, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, at St. Mary’s at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Peter DiTomasso as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfunerahome.com