Jackson B. Vail

CUMBERLAND - Decorated World War II Veteran, Jackson B. Vail formerly of Cumberland, ME, went home to his Lord, on April 3, 2015, in Bedford, NH. He was the son of H. Jackson and Hallie Brownell Vail. He was born in Monroe Bridge, Mass on June 27, 1917. His family moved to Randolph, VT soon after where he spent his early childhood with his three brothers. They moved to Falmouth, Maine in the summer of 1929.

Jack graduated from Falmouth High School in 1935, a member of the second graduating class. Jack was an excellent athlete, playing varsity baseball and track and cross-country for four years. After high school he played baseball and football at Maine Central Institute and as a freshman at Bates College. These were Depression years and it was not possible for him to continue.

Jackson entered the army in 1941 and served until 1945. He was a member of the 10th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. While traveling across France and Belgium with his unit, he was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry in action for single-handedly taking out a German machine gun squad, saving the lives of his unit, which was pinned down. At a later time he was severely wounded and received the Purple Heart for that action. In December of 1944 his battalion was one of several who arrived at Bastogne to help rout the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. To quote the Portland Press Herald of February of 1945, Maine Sergeant Jackson B. Vail, after leaving combat, was one of a group of 56 veterans, many of them heroes of the Battle of Bastogne, who visited Defense Plants to tell of the need for more guns and munitions at the front.

Upon returning home after the war, Jack was one of a small group of veterans who founded the Falmouth Memorial Legion Post.

Following the war, Jack enrolled at Springfield College in Springfield, MA. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Physical Education. While at Springfield, when he was 31 or 32 years old, he played on the Junior Varsity football team, a further example of his love for athletics. It was at Springfield College where he met Helen Panos and they were married at the end of his Junior year.

Following graduation Jack taught at several public schools in Maine before moving on to Pineland Hospital in Pownal, ME. He served on the recreation staff there for more than 20 years.

He lived a simple life centered on God. His faith was of utmost importance to him. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and volunteered for many Christian organizations. A ministry that was very near to his heart was the Prison Ministry in which he spent many years volunteering his time.

A special thanks to all the staff and aides at Bedford Falls Assisted Living Community for the love and care that they gave to Jackson and his family during his time there.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Helen in 2003; his brother Thomas and wife Betty; and his brother Robert. He is survived by his youngest brother Theodore and wife Dolores of Falmouth.

His family includes, a son, Robert P. Vail of Cumberland Ctr., ME, wife Linda; a daughter, Roxana V. Small of Hooksett, NH, husband, Gregg; a daughter, Hallie J. Mann of Wayzata, MN, husband, Robert. Also includes seven grandchildren: Nathan Vail, wife, Erin; Hallie Hawks, husband, Matt; Joshua Small, wife, Lauren; Kristopher Small; Travis Mann, wife, Chelsea; Elise Mann and Jackson Mann. There are two great grandchildren, Henry and Audrey Mann, as well as many nephews and a niece.

A 1:00 PM funeral service for Jack will be held on Saturday, April 25th at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, ME. Burial will be held at a later date in Moss Cemetery in Cumberland Ctr. ME.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jackson’s memory to: Prison Fellowship, P.O. Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116-1550.