Joseph Thomas Paul Jackson, age 70, of Worthington, passed away at 7:18 A.M. on Friday, June 1, 2018, at Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. He was born in Indianapolis on January 8, 1948, the son of Paul Jennings & Mary Elizabeth (Petrucci) Jackson.

He was a 1966 graduate of Worthington-Jefferson High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1968 - 1971 in the Vietnam War, with 18 months spent in Vietnam. During his time of service he was in the 5th special forces and 1st special forces groups from July 1968 to January 1970.

Tom went on to receive a Bachelor degree from St. Joseph College in 1974 and a Masters from Ball State University in 1976.

He worked for the State of Indiana Department of Correction Education department from 1976-77. He worked as a PE teacher from 1980-82 at Culver Military Academy, during which time he coached Junior and Senior High School Cross Country. Tom worked at the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne from 1983-2013. He served as a basketball coach, assistant athletic director, men’s assistant basketball coach, chair of department Health and PE teacher, retiring in 2013.

Tom is survived by his significant other and love of his life, Susie Pickard, whom he has spent his life with for eighteen years. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held at Worthington Cemetery at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, with Paul McHenry officiating. Full military honors will be given and assisted by the Worthington American Legion and VFW.

Arrangements are in care of Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington. There will be no public viewing at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Nancy’s Cat Refuge through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.welchcornett.com.