Ross Peter "Pete" Jackson

Ross Peter Jackson (Pete) passed away on August 4, 2024 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication. 

Pete was born on December 30, 1931, in Castile, New York. He was the youngest son of Arnold and Mildred Jackson, and grew up on their family-run dairy farm with older brothers Paul, Hugh, and Bill. Pete attended Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. There Pete met his future wife, Dorothy Jeremiah, a classmate, and they were married in Mineola, NY on November 13, 1954. Pete served as a Lieutenant in the Army Airborne Division from 1954 to 1956, completing 37 parachute jumps, a fact of great interest to all his grandchildren. After his Army service, Pete and Dot returned to Ithaca, where they raised three boys, Jeff, Bob, and David. Pete completed both an MS and PhD in Educational Administration at Cornell and worked in Admissions, as a Registrar, and as Director of Institutional Research. After 20 years in Ithaca, Pete and Dot moved to the University of Pennsylvania, where Pete was an Associate Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and later an Associate Provost for Admissions and Registration at the University of Houston, followed by a stint in London at an American college. For the past 35 years they resided in Boulder, CO, where Pete completed his career in education, working for a student software company.

For the active couple, Boulder was an ideal location, and served as jumping off point for many hiking and camping excursions with friends and family. Dot and Pete also traveled extensively throughout the world, and after “retirement,” Pete served as a National Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Cape Cod National Seashore while Dot worked at the same places. The grandchildren treasure their memories of camping and traveling with their adventurous grandparents. Grandpa could always be counted on to carry the backpack of a tired hiker or find the ice cream store afterward. 

Pete and Dot are long-time members of St John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder, where Pete served on the Vestry, as a Lay Reader, and as Eucharistic Minister. He also enjoyed hiking, Military Officers Association, Rotary, Kiwanis, wine group, and the company of friends and neighbors. Known for his warmth and careful attention to others, Pete never missed a chance for a friendly exchange or a well-timed quip. 

Pete is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Dorothy Jackson, their three sons, Jeffery (married to Sally), Robert (married to Lynn), and David (married to Karen), grandchildren Bryan Jackson, Lydia Jackson, Will Jackson, Matt Jackson, Zach Jackson, Josh Jackson. They have many great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service honoring Pete's life will be held at 1pm, on Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Boulder, at Pine & 14th St, followed by interment in the Columbarium and a reception in Parish Hall. The family wishes to thank the staff at Balfour Skilled Nursing for their care, along with St. John's Altar Guild, Tru Hospice, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St John's Altar Guild or Tru Hospice Community Care.