Thomas John Jackson, 65, of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy built on loyalty, hard work, kindness, and love. Tom was born on August 2, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Visitation is Tuesday 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service on Tuesday, all occurring at the Church. Interment is in All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

Tom was a proud graduate of St. Pius X Catholic School and Creighton Preparatory School before attending Creighton University. The lifelong friendships and values formed during those years remained important to him throughout his life.

Baseball was one of Tom’s greatest loves. He found success throughout his baseball career, and his talents earned him a full scholarship to Creighton University, but what meant even more to him were the lifelong friendships and brotherhood built along the way. Though incredibly talented, Tom was always humble about his accomplishments. To him, the memories and people mattered far more than recognition or statistics.

Tom had a deep love for horse racing that began early in life while working as a hotwalker at Aksarben. One horse in particular, Kales Kourage, held a special place in his heart and became a meaningful part of the Jackson family’s story over the years.

In May of 1985, Tom married the love of his life, Connie. Together they created a beautiful family and life filled with laughter, unconditional love, and unwavering support for one another. Connie was not only Tom’s wife, but his best friend and greatest partner. The devotion she showed Tom throughout their life together was a true reflection of their extraordinary love story. Throughout the last three years of his illness, she stood faithfully by his side with endless strength, compassion, and care.

Tom was the proud father of five children: Luke Jackson (Anne) of Gretna, Jennifer Sarich (Jeremy) of Arizona, Stacia Hoffman (Dustin) of Omaha, Sarah Janssen (Mike) of Platte Center, and Maureen Jones (Chris) of Omaha.

Nothing in the world brought Tom more joy than being “Bops” to his ten grandchildren: Cale, Connor, and Colter Jackson; Greer and Arden Sarich; Eleanor, Miles, and Ava Janssen; and Penelope and Jackson Hoffman. His grandchildren were truly the center of his world, and he loved them more than words could ever express.

Tom spent more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, where he became known as a top sales leader and trusted friend to many across the country. He believed success in life and business always came down to treating people the right way. Later in his career, he helped bring Caesars Casino to Columbus, something he took great pride in as he continued investing in the community and people he loved.

Tom loved golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was a proud member of the Wild Elk’s golf group and treasured the friendships, laughs, and time spent on the course over the years. He especially loved the lake life at Lake Oconee, where many memories were made with those closest to him.

Recently, Tom took his entire family to Turks and Caicos. A trip his loved ones will forever cherish and one of the best experiences of his life.

Over the last week of his life, Tom was surrounded by the people he loved most. His home was filled with stories, laughter, tears, memories, and an overwhelming amount of love. His family feels incredibly blessed to have shared those final days together — reminiscing, reading memories, holding his hand, and surrounding him with comfort as he took his final breaths peacefully at home with his entire family by his side.

Tom believed family was everything. He taught those around him the value of loyalty, kindness, hard work, laughter, and showing up for the people you love.

The family feels incredibly grateful for the compassionate medical teams, caregivers, family, and friends who supported Tom throughout his journey and helped make it possible for him to spend his final days peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved most.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his five children; ten beloved grandchildren; siblings Tim Jackson of Texas, Kathy Kalkwarf of Lincoln, and Jackie Jackson of Omaha; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; father, Jack; stepmother, Dotty; sister, Kate; and beloved dog, Tank.