Thomas (Tom) Edgar Jackson, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Born in Arlington, VA, Tom grew up in Landover Hills, MD, later raising a family and retiring in Bowie, MD. He was the son of the late Joseph C. and Evelyn Jackson.
He was a 1961 graduate of Bladensburg High School and a 1966 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a B.S. degree in Music Education. Tom served three years in the First U.S. Army Band stationed at Fort Meade. He later served thirteen years in the 257th Army Band D.C. National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion Post #136 in Greenbelt, MD.
Tom taught all 33 years of his career in Prince George’s County Public Schools as an elementary instrumental music teacher. He taught multiple generations of students, and truly enjoyed crossing paths with past students after his retirement.
Talented on both the euphonium and trombone, Tom was active in several music groups, which included Bayside Big Band, the University of Maryland Community Band, the Bowie Senior Chorale, and many annual Tuba Christmas concerts. He also spent many years “in the pit” during MAD productions at Goddard Space Flight Center.
In addition to music, Tom’s interests included all things trivia, especially watching Jeopardy, telling jokes, and watching any programs related to animals or nature. In his younger years, he could always be found cultivating his garden and working in the yard.
Tom was an active member of Trinity Moravian Church in New Carrollton, MD, for 43 years. He sang bass in the church choir, was part of the chorale band, and was a dedicated volunteer in the church food pantry.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Judy, his son Scott, daughter Kelly, sister Patricia Poulson (Ulrich), sister-in-law Judy Morgan (Bill), niece RuthAnn Gordon, and grandnephew Keven Ulrich. There will be a private interment. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Contributions can be made to the following organizations that were special to Tom: Trinity Moravian Church, 7011 Good Luck Rd. New Carrollton, MD 20784, Moravian Music Festival www.moravianmusicfestival.org/contribute, UMD Community Band www.marylandcommunityband.org/#/
