Jerome E. "Tobin" Jackson's Obituary
Jerome E. "Tobin" Jackson of North Andover, MA. died on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the Academy Manor Nursing Home in Andover. Jerome was born in Methuen on December 15, 1923, the son of Walter and Gertrude (Tobin) Jackson. He graduated in 1942 from Methuen High School and was attending Lowell Textile School, later the University of Lowell, when he joined the United States Air Force. Jerry was one of six brothers who served their country in WWII. He served in the 8th Air Force, 305th Bomb Group as a Staff Sergeant Gunner and Bombardier on a B17 Heavy Bomber. He flew 24 missions over enemy territory. His plane was hit 9 times and had 5 forced landings and two crashes. Miraculously, all crew members survived. He was twice awarded the Air Medal. He was also honored with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Distinguished Unit Badge, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Victory Medal and the French Government Liberation of France Award. On his return from the service, he attended Colby College and later the New School in New York City. He was employed in advertising as a model with the Screen Actors Guild name of Tobin Jackson and his photographs appeared on TV commercials and popular magazines and newspapers of the time such as Life Magazine and the Saturday Evening Post. For twenty years he raised giant English Mastiffs at his Deer Run Kennels in Frenchtown, New Jersey. His Mastiffs won "Best in Show" on two occasions at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York City. His Champion Deer Run Wycliff sired more champions than any Mastiff stud dog in the world. He was most proud of raising dogs that made wonderful family pets and companions. At age 70 when caring for more than 60 giant Mastiffs became too much, he moved to Mexico where he made his home in the small mountain pueblo of Canalajas. With this as his home base, Jerry was able to pursue his interest in Mayan culture, spending time at archeological sites in Guatemala and Honduras. When illness forced his return to the United States, he volunteered at Senior Net, a division of the Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, teaching computer and Digital Camera classes. Jerry is predeceased by his five brothers, Walter, Bernard, Richard, Robert and Donald as well as his two sisters, Mary Harnsich and Justine Doherty. He is survived by his sister, Joan Cashman of North Andover. He will also be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews and friends. In accordance with Jerry's wishes, there are no services at this time. A Memorial Mass with burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Jerry's family wish to extend their thanks to the staff at Academy Manor for their kind and loving care of him during his six month stay. Arrangements are under the direction of the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to either the Air Force Aid Society, 241 Eighteenth Street, Suite 202, Arlington, VA, 22202, The American Cancer Society, New England Division, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA, 01701, or to the charity of one's choice. To send an online condolence, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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