Thomas H. Jackson

Thomas H. Jackson, 70, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 29, 6:00 p.m., at McGilley State Line, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. The visitation will be prior to the service, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Tom was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania on June 19, 1945, to Joseph Henry and Mary Agnes (McAuliffe) Jackson.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Michael. He is survived by his daughter Tracey Huwar and husband Barry, his son Kevin Jackson and wife Whitaker; grandson Taylor Huwar; long-time friend and ex-wife Elaine Jackson; sister Patty Lydon; brothers James and Richard Jackson, long-time friend Christine Bondank, and many, many hounds and horses. www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. Arr. McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO, 64145. (816) 942-6180.

Tom began working at a very young age due to family financial struggles. He loved the outdoors and farm life. One of his first jobs was at Fitzgerald's Dairy Farm in the Sewickley area.

Drafted into the Army Oct. 20, 1965, and stationed in Fort Hood, Texas with an Honorable Discharge Oct. 19, 1967. Tom did one tour in Vietnam. Notable honors: National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal and Marksman Rifle Award.

After coming back from Vietnam, Tom began working at the Allegheny Country Club and worked as a Stable

Groom. Tom grew fond of horses and horseback riding; this was the beginning of a life-long career. Through the club's affiliation with the Sewickley Hunt Club, Tom worked his way up to the position of Professional Huntsman. Fox hunting was not just a job or a hobby, it was his passion. This passion would take him from working in his hometown to another country.

His career took him to the Ottawa Valley Hunt Club in Ontario, Canada for 8 yrs, working briefly in Columbus, Georgia and

the Mission Valley Hunt Club for 25 yrs. He became the Huntsmen at Coal Valley Hunt Club and Joint Master of Foxhounds.

His charm and wit no doubt came from his Irish heritage. He taught his children traditional values and to have respect for outdoors and nature; these qualities will be remembered. We would like to celebrate his life as a determined and talented huntsman, a soft and gentle soul, a soldier, fierce friend, husband, and father. Here’s to the man that put everyone in front of himself and never expecting a thing. Cheers!