Jerry Thomas Jackson

After a 20 year, valiantly fought battle against Parkinson's Disease, Jerry passed away on August 27, 2025. Born in Newcastle, Texas on May 3, 1941, he was 84 years old. He was the beloved husband of Glenda Jackson, with whom he shared a 64 year marriage. He was the loving father of Craig Jackson and his wife, Miki. Jill Jackson and her husband Bob Lorman. Preceding him in death was a precious infant daughter, Julie Ann Jackson. In addition, Jerry is survived by his two grandchildren, Kaeleigh Jackson and Will Jackson.

Jerry also shared his life with four brothers and sisters-in-law: Conrad and Mary Ann, Emmel (deceased) and Betty, Cal and Glennis, and Harold and Sheri. The "boys" remained good friends through their lives, traveling together and always sharing and supporting each other.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico, where in later years he was honored with the Zimmerman Award for Accomplishment that brought Pride to his Alma Mater; Jerry joined Merck & Co. as a sales representative in Albuquerque. His 30 year career with Merck saw him move through many jobs in sales, marketing and corporate management. He retired in 1995 as an Executive Vice President of Merck & Co. On his retirement, Jerry was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Merck. He also received an award for his Outstanding qualities of Leadership, Dedication, and Wisdom from the Board of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of America of which he had been a member.

On retirement, the couple moved back to the Southwest, living in Santa Fe and Tucson. From there, Jerry was widely sought out as a board member by other pharmaceutical companies. He served on the board of: Transcend Therapeutics Inc. as chairman. He was a Director of Crescendo Pharmaceuticals Corp. Director of Alza Corporation, and Director of Molecular Biosystem.

Jerry also served as Director of several Biotech pharmaceutical companies including: Sun Pharm Corporation, Intrabiotics Pharmaceuticals, Alexion Corporation and COR Therapeutics.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted man to his Christian faith. He was a warm, kind, and generous man who loved and took joy in his family. He will be greatly missed.

Because of his love of his Country and all children, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's' Research Hospital or Gary Sinise Foundation.