Philip (Denny) D. Jackson

Philip (Denny) D. Jackson

White River Junction, VT

White River Junction, VT – Phillip (Denny) D. Jackson, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction, VT.

Phil was born on November 30, 1938, in Monticello, IA, to Wilbur and Winnefred (Driscoll) Jackson.

He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1956 and served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962, including a combat tour in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he used the G.I. Bill to attend Georgia State University, earning a bachelor’s degree that launched his career in technology and systems analysis.

Phil’s career began at IBM in Atlanta, GA, followed by a role at the Atlanta Federal Reserve. In the late 1970s, he joined Shared Medical Systems (eventually acquired by Siemens), where he worked for 30 years. While at SMS, he was assigned to the Netherlands, where he met his future wife, Judith van Rhijn. They lived in Den Haag (The Hague) for several years before returning to the United States. Phil treasured his time with a close-knit group of SMS colleagues, with whom he shared many good memories, professional pride, and enduring friendships.

In 1982, Phil and Judith married in Devon, PA, and raised their two daughters in Villanova, PA. After retiring in 2006, they embraced new adventures in North Yarmouth, ME, and Cuenca, Ecuador, before settling in White River Junction, VT in 2017 to be close to their grandchildren.

Phil was a man of many interests and quiet passions. He cultivated a bonsai garden, kept his mind sharp by reading The New York Times, and found joy in the elegance of classical music. He was passionate about art, particularly Impressionist painting, and counted visits to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia among his favorite pastimes. In his earlier years, he was an avid runner and remained a devoted Philadelphia Eagles and WNBA fan throughout his life.

Phil valued his involvement with the Unitarian Universalist community, most recently at the Congregation of the Upper Valley in Norwich, VT. He especially cherished annual family vacations to Martha’s Vineyard, where traditions and laughter were shared year after year. Above all, Phil found purpose and pride in caring for the people he loved.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Judith van Rhijn Jackson of White River Junction; his daughters, Margaux Jackson Lohry (Mark) of Enfield, NH, and Danielle Jackson (Thomas) of Baltimore, MD; two grandchildren, Juliana Philippa Lohry and Adrian Lohry; his brother, Stephen Jackson (Kay) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and his sister, Ellen Collins (Bruce) of Elkader, IA.

A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at 3pm on May 17, 2025, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Upper Valley in Norwich, VT. Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Patient Activity Fund, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009.