Allison K. Jackson

Allison Kathleen Jackson, age 76, of Orleans, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. A beloved wife, mother, educator, traveler, and community advocate, Allison lived a life full of passion, intellect, and adventure.

Allison was born on September 9, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Willi and Mary Elkuss. Her early years were shaped by her parents' involvement in the labor movement and their unique living environment on a commune in Mount Eagle, Tennessee. This unconventional upbringing exposed Allison to a variety of cultural influences, including being serenaded by legendary folk musicians like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Sylvia Horton, who penned the iconic lyrics to "We Shall Overcome."

As her father's career in the labor movement advanced, the family relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, and later to Park Forest, Illinois, just outside Chicago. It was here that Allison attended Rich East High School, graduating in 1965. Her father's connections allowed her to spend time at Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Northern Israel after her senior year, an experience that further broadened her worldview.

Allison initially enrolled at the University of Illinois with aspirations of studying law and political science. However, fate intervened on her first night in the dormitory, when she answered a telephone call meant for her neighbor. The call was from Jim Jackson, a young man looking for a companion to join him on a ride on his new Honda motorcycle. Allison accepted the invitation, and this chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong partnership. The couple married on June 12, 1966, and welcomed their son, Christopher Alan, later that year.

After moving to Ridgefield, New Jersey, in 1967, Allison supported her husband's burgeoning career as a CPA while continuing her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Montclair State Teacher's College in 1971 and embarked on a teaching career that would leave a lasting impact on countless students.

Allison began her career as a high school English teacher at Ridgefield Park High School, where she worked from 1971 to 1985. She continued teaching at Mendham High School until her retirement in 1989. At Mendham, she was instrumental in introducing and developing the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, enabling students to earn college credits while still in high school. Her dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods left a lasting legacy that continued to influence her students for decades.

In 1989, Allison retired from teaching to support her husband's career, which took them on a journey across Europe. Their first stop was the Netherlands, followed by a more extended stay in Rome, Italy. There, Allison quickly immersed herself in the local culture, mastering the Italian language and enrolling in courses on art and history. Her deep appreciation for Italian culture led her to explore hidden treasures that most tourists never see.

It was in Rome that Allison founded "The Write Start," a company dedicated to helping businesses improve their communication skills. Her work focused on bridging the gap between Italian employees and their American counterparts, ensuring clear and effective communication.

Allison and Jim took full advantage of their European adventure, traveling extensively across the continent. From Greece to Portugal, Ireland to Istanbul, and everywhere in between, they explored the rich history and culture of Europe. They even completed every page of the French Michelin Green Guide, a testament to their adventurous spirit.

In 1999, the couple moved to London, where Allison delighted in the city's cultural offerings, from museums to theaters. Their return to the United States in 2003 was a temporary one, as they initially settled in Jersey City, New Jersey, before permanently relocating to Orleans, Massachusetts, in 2004.

In her retirement, Allison's creativity flourished. After gathering seashells, horseshoe crabs, sea glass, and driftwood from her long walks along Nauset Beach, she began crafting intricate artistic collages. These creations, which she marketed under her company “From the C’s,” were a reflection of her connection to the sea and the natural beauty of Cape Cod.

Allison became deeply involved in her local community, serving on the boards of the Orleans Pond Coalition and the Mill Pond Association. She was also an active member of the Orleans Democratic Committee and the First Book Club, where her passion for literature shone through. For 12 years, she served as treasurer of the Grandview Properties Association, demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement.

A lifelong lover of books, Allison was an avid supporter of the Snow Library. Her extensive knowledge of literature spanned all genres, and she often juggled multiple books at once, always eager to dive into the latest release.

Allison's love for travel extended beyond Europe. She and Jim visited all 50 states, every Canadian province and territory, all seven continents, and over 100 countries. Their travels took them from the icy landscapes of Antarctica, where they walked with penguins, to the exotic wildlife of the Galápagos, where they observed blue-footed boobies. They fed kangaroos and koalas in Australia, rode camels among the pyramids of Egypt, and washed elephants in the Mekong River in Laos. They trekked through the jungles of Uganda to see mountain gorillas and observed hundreds of whales in the Arctic. Their adventures also included visits to almost every major church in Europe, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Taj Mahal in India. They walked the Great Wall of China and experienced the midnight sun in Norway.

Allison's passion for politics led her to actively participate in the Orleans Democratic Committee, where she was never shy about sharing her views with local and national leaders. Her love for animals was equally profound, and she cherished long walks on the beach with her two dogs, Charlotte and Emily.

Allison is predeceased by her father, Willi Elkuss; her mother, Mary Lawrence Elkuss; and her sister, Lisa Elkuss. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Jackson; her beloved son, Christopher Jackson; her daughter-in-law, Laura Junge; her sister, Bronwyn Elkuss and brother-in-law James Deroo, her sister-in-law Virginia Claar and brother-in-law David Claar; and her cherished dogs, Charlotte and Emily.

Allison Kathleen Jackson will be remembered for her boundless curiosity, her dedication to education, her love of travel, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her life was a testament to the power of knowledge, the joy of discovery, and the importance of giving back. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Jackson Residence on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of ALLISON JACKSON to:

SNOW LIBRARY 67 Main St. Orleans, MA 02653