Tom Jackson, the former head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) football team, passed away on January 30, 2025, at 76.
Highlights
- Tom Jackson was the former head coach of the University of Connecticut football team from 1983 to 1993.
- Jackson passed away on January 30, 2025, at 76.
- Tom Jackson is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter Sarah, brother Mike, and family.
On February 1, 2025, the UConn Huskies wrote the devastating news about its former coach, Thomas William Jackson Jr, popularly known as Tom Jackson. The Obituary post writes,
Former University of Connecticut football coach Tom Jackson passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, in Florida at the age of 76.
UConn Huskies
Moreover, in the University’s official statement, the cause of the demise of the former coach is not mentioned. It is likely that the college authorities and loved ones chose to maintain peace and pray for the departed soul’s eternal rest.
Tom Jackson, an American football coach (Connecticut Huskies), died at 76. RIP.pic.twitter.com/cXHZrQIck7
— Rest In Peace News (@RestInpeacenews) February 2, 2025
The entire football community has come together, remembering Tom’s contribution when he was coaching UConn football. Sports anchor and reporter for WTNH, Erik Dobratz, writes,
Former @UConnFootball head coach TomJackson passes away at the age of 76. Had some really good years for the Huskies from 1983-93. The 62 wins is the third-highest in school history.
Erik Dobratz
Furthermore, the University of Connecticut alumni remember Tom Jackson for his proper guidance, helping habits, and generosity. Scott Vibberts, a former UConn student from 1986 to 1989, expressed,
I knew Coach J since the age of 10 while attending UConn football camps. He followed me through high school and eventually offered me a scholarship my senior year ‘86. I will always be indebted to Coach J for supporting me over my four years at UConn. My most sincere condolences to his family. Love you Coach,
Scott Vibberts
Furthermore, as mentioned in the Dignity Memorial, a funeral mass for Thomas will be held on Thursday, 6, 2025, from 11:00 Am to 12:00 pm. It will be at Our Lady of the Angeles Catholic Church, Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Tom Jackson’s Wife, Deborah, Daughter, Sarah, And Loved Ones Mourn His Passing And Honor His Legacy
The former UConn coach Tom lived a private life with his family in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, after his tenure as the football coach.
Thus, his family lives beyond the media’s attention, while Jackson did have a close connection with the college athletes and football community.
Tom Jackson was married to his beloved wife, Deborah. Similarly, his known child, his daughter, is Sarah, born in 1982.
In January 1983, when Tom Jackson was recruited as the head coach of UConn, his wife Deborah and daughter Sarah, who was 7 months old, accompanied him in the press conference.
Tom Jackson, former UConn football coach, dead at 76; ranked No. 3 in Husky wins https://t.co/2Gdur4WrU2
— UConn Insider (@UConn_Insider) February 1, 2025
During his speech, Jackson stated that his wife, Deborah, was his unwavering support and most valuable person. The Late Coach mentioned,
Deborah is the one person who’ll keep my head from getting too fat or my feet from getting too far off the ground.
Tom Jackson
Furthermore, Tom Jackson was a family-type man, making family his primary priority, and then was football playing and coaching. His time with his wife and kids is what he values the most.
At the conference in 1983, Tom’s wife, Deborah, mentioned that as he had a big responsibility to perform, she would try her best to support him. Mrs. Deborah Jackson stated,
I know his hours are length so I’m not going to burder him with a lot of household responsiblilities, especially during football season.
Deborah Jackson
However, the decades of togetherness of Tom and Deborah had fallen apart after Tom’s demise. She, along with her daughter Sarah and family, is mourning the loss and praying for the rest of the departed soul.
Furthermore, Tom’s brother, Mike Jackson, has sought loved ones and friends to attend the funeral Mass held on February 6, 2025, at Our Lady Of The Angels Catholic Church.
Additional Information
- Tom Jackson was born on July 8, 1948, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
- Jackson led the Huskies from 1983 to 1993, securing three Yankee Conference championships in 1983, 1986, and 1989.
- Before his coaching career, Jackson played football at Penn State under Joe Paterno and was a tri-captain of the 1969 Orange Bowl champion team.
