John T. Wilson

1956 - 2025

John T. Wilson

July 25, 1956 - September 29, 2025

John T. Wilson, known by his stage name Jack Forbes Wilson, age 69, was born in Lincoln, Neb., on July 25, 1956, to John and Joan (Forbes) Wilson.

He grew up in Lincoln and began his lifelong passion for music and theater by performing magic shows for friends and family, participating in piano recitals, and practicing with his high school rock bands in the basement. His first acting audition was for Fiddler on the Roof at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, where he famously read his driver's license for an audition.

After earning a master's degree in piano performance and composition from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Jack moved to Milwaukee to pursue his career in musical theater, cabaret performance, piano accompaniment, and piano instruction. His passion extended across all genres of music, and he performed in venues throughout the Milwaukee area. He was also involved in the music program at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee for many years. He was a lifelong member of Actors' Equity Association.

Six years ago, Jack returned to Lincoln to help care for his parents. There he became involved with the Lincoln Community Playhouse and Wesleyan musicals and also served as a substitute accompanist for Lincoln Public Schools. Most recently, he returned to Milwaukee to perform in Those Old Wicked Songs at the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. His final performance was a preview on September 19, after which he returned home to Lincoln and entered hospice care following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He passed away on Monday September 29th 2025, in his home in the presence of his family.

Jack is survived by his two sisters, Jane (Loren) Yule and children, Julia Wilson (Paul Edwards) and children; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, countless friends, fellow cast and crew members, his Milwaukee and Lincoln piano students and their families, and his 34th Street neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

An open house to celebrate Jack's life, to be hosted by the Lincoln Community Playhouse and Jack's sisters, will be held at the Playhouse on the evening of Sunday, October 5th, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a short program at 6 p.m. A private family gathering will take place to scatter his ashes at a later date. Final arrangements are being handled by Roper and Sons of Lincoln. In Jack's spirt of music and generosity, memorial gifts may be made to a local performing arts organization or charity of your choice, or better yet, go see a show and enjoy the magic of live performance.