Robert William Jackson

SOUTH GARDINER--- Robert William Jackson, 78, of South Gardiner, Maine passed away on March 22, 2025 with his daughter by his side, at the Togus VA hospice unit after enduring a progressive cancer for 6 years; the likely cause being exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
Bob was born February 5, 1947 in Ashland, Wisconsin to the late George and May (Geise) Jackson. He graduated from Shawano, WI high school in 1965, where he met his wife- to-be Katherine VanPrice. He voluntarily joined the Army in February 1966 and married Kathy on July 2 of that same year. Their first son was born in late March of 1967 and just over two months later Bob flew into Ben Hoa, Vietnam. He was with the Army Security Agency under the pseudonym 101st Radio Research Company that conducted counter intelligence operations which ultimately foiled a number of attacks and ambushes. He was attached to the Special Forces compound at Monkey Mt., Da Nang when the Tet offensive kicked off in January 1968. Bob was granted emergency leave the following month as his son was terminally ill and was later granted a compassionate reassignment to the Milwaukee WI, MEPS. Bob and Kathy's son tragically passed away in July 1968 and their second son was born in 1969. Bob was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in February 1970.
He then spent a couple of years as a radio broadcaster before he began a 37 year career in the Pulp and Paper Industry starting in Shawano, WI. During that time, he and Kathy had another son and then a daughter. Bob would go on to work at a mill in Tomahawk, WI as well as paper mills located in: North Carolina, Ohio and finally Statler Tissue in Augusta, Maine. He was promoted to manager when this same mill became Tree Free Fiber and American Tissue.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and strong work ethic. He was also a skilled carpenter and do-it-yourselfer who enjoyed reading, hunting, gardening, hiking, camping, and going for Sunday drives.
Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years Katherine, his sons Aaron and Nathan (Tammy) Jackson, his daughter Tracy (Ted) Rolfe and his 3 grandsons: Jordan Heeley, Jackson Martin, and Lucas Jackson. He is also survived by his sister Carol Dillingham and brother George Jackson Jr.
Bob was predeceased by his son Robert (Bobby), and his brothers: Edwin, Donald, Richard, David, and Jim Jackson; as well as his sisters: Dorothy Kemmer and Joann Emerson.
A private graveside service with Military Honors, will take place for family at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. A celebration of life, with family and friends, will take place at the Aphasia Center of Maine, 675 Old Portland Road, Brunswick on Sunday, April 27, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Togus VA Voluntary Service with a note, in honor of Robert W. Jackson: VA Maine Healthcare System, Voluntary Service, 1VA Center, Augusta, Maine 04330 or the Aphasia Center of Maine, (aphasiacenterofmaine.org).