PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Raymond Jackson (Ray), age 83, of Omaha, NE. passed away peacefully at home with his wife Barbara at his side on Jan. 20, 2026

Born on Oct. 30, 1942 in Pittsfield to Richard and Ruth (Jacques) Jackson,  He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. After he served in the US Navy as a Fire Fighter he worked at General Electric for 32 years. He was a member of IUE local 255 and was elected to various positions.

Ray enjoyed politics, campaigning for local, state and national candidates.  Ray was known for his creativity and humor with a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eyes.

Ray and Barbara lived and raised their sons in Pittsfield before retiring to The Villages in Florida where they resided for 23 years.  While there they enjoyed spending time by the pool and dancing at the town square.  It was during his time in Florida that he invented and patented the Water Walking Assistant for the Physically Challenged. Upon leaving Florida they moved to Dalton, and eventually to Omaha, NE.  

He liked playing card games and sharing stories in the company of family and friends.  He enjoyed home remodeling, tinkering with anything that needed repair, and discussing politics.  Ray shared a special place in his heart for his constant canine companion of many years, Niko, who was often seen riding in the car with him. 

Besides his wife of 62 years, Barbara (Borden), Ray leaves his sisters Roberta Lussier of Manassas, VA, Rebecca Shoestock of  Charlotte, NC, Roselyn Connelly of No. Adams and brothers Robert of Lee, Roger of Troy, NY, Roy of Sarasota, Florida, Ronald of No. Adams and Randy of Hancock.  He also leaves his son Ray and wife Colleen of Omaha, NE, and son Michael and wife Liz of Dalton.  In addition, he leaves his grandson Connor of Omaha, granddaughters Delaney Mayer of Omaha and Zoe Koza Currio of Dalton and two great grandsons, Carter Graves and Lincoln Jackson of Omaha.  Ray was preceded in death by his grandson Tanner, his sisters Ruth Plouffe and Rosemary Gagnon and his brothers Richard and Ralph.

A small service honoring Ray's memory will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. His burial will be at the National Cemetery in Omaha. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your local animal rescue organization.