Edward John Jackson

Dr. Edward John Jackson (Maj. Ret.) died peacefully at home in Katy, Texas, on June 26, 2026, a week shy of his 84th birthday. 

Ed was born on July 7, 1942 in Syracuse, NY to Mabelle Farr Jackson and John Edward Jackson Sr. After graduating from Camden Central School in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. Ed served for more than 20 years including tours in Korea and Vietnam, and retired as a Major from Fort Bragg. He understood better than most how hard it could be to balance military service with raising a loving family and completing his education. He lived that struggle himself, and he spent the rest of his career working to make the road smoother for the soldiers who came after him. 

During his Army career, Ed was not only a soldier but also a steady voice for change. He supported the integration of women soldiers into the 82nd, stood up for civil rights during the Army’s transition to an all volunteer force, and believed deeply in fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all who served. A master parachutist, he completed more than 100 jumps from airplanes (and pushed many soldiers out of airplanes as a jump master), a reflection of both his skill and his fearless commitment to military service.

At Fayetteville Technical Community College in the 1980s, Ed helped shape SOCAD, using his own hard won experience to create a better, more realistic path for service members trying to complete their degrees amid the demands of military life. He worked directly with the Department of Education and with college leaders to tear down rigid residency requirements and streamline credit transfer so course work could follow a soldier wherever duty called. What began as a personal uphill climb became a program that made the academic path smoother for generations of service members. 

Ed’s career at Fayetteville Technical Community College spanned decades and deep responsibility. He began as a part time counselor and rose through roles that included Director of Off Campus Curriculum Programs, Instructional Program Director, Dean of General and Public Service Programs, and Associate Vice President for Curriculum Programs. He retired in 2006 but returned part time to serve as Vice President for Academic and Student Services and to handle special projects, always putting the college’s students first. He built programs that met real community needs, including the development and support of the funeral services program, and led one of the college’s largest divisions with steady, practical leadership. 

His military record reflected courage, skill, and quiet heroism. Ed served in combat and was recognized for valor and meritorious service,his decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and multiple Republic of Vietnam awards. He carried those honors with modesty, rarely speaking about the moments that earned them, letting his actions, mentorship, and service to others speak for him.

While stationed in Germany, he met Eleanor Hopper, a teacher for the Department of Defense. They shared nearly 50 happy years of marriage, love, and partnership as they raised a family, traveled,and served the community together. Ellie encouraged him to finish his education, and together they raised a family built on curiosity, wonder, discovery,and generosity. His daughters, Diane and Kristie, remember a father who believed in them, took the time to volunteer and show up at the things they were interested in, shared their love for the arts, and who modeled what it means to be a person of integrity, humor (so many puns), compassion, and love.As a father and grandfather, he was the #1cheerleader for his family, the person who saw us at our best, and who never doubted that we could move mountains and change the world. After all, if he could do it, so could we.

Ed was active in the Roman Catholic faith, helping to teach CCD to generations of students and volunteering at the Main Post Chapel. Dr.J was a quiet hero who selflessly and effectively gave of his time to many community organizations and causes. He performed on stage and ushered for many years at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Spring Lake Little Theater, and Fort Bragg Playhouse. Ed was a strong supporter of the Cumberland County Library, the Arts Council of Fayetteville, and the United Way. He and his wife were active in their bowling league,in the Military Officers Association of America, and with the Kiwanis Club. For years an officer and strong supporter of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, Ed continued to attend Friday meetings on Zoom even after he moved to Texas.

He was an adventurer who checked all 50 states off his list before Ellie passed and later traveled with his daughters to Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, the Great Lakes region, and the Galapagos, always curious and always learning.Just a month before his death, he managed one final trip to Alaska to see the whales and glaciers he loved so much.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Kristie Jackson Green of Katy, Texas;his sons in love, Barry Schnoor and James Green; and his beloved granddaughters, Miranda Schnoor, Ella Schnoor, Megan Green, and Alice Green. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Carol Hopper Jackson, in 2016.

Services for Dr. Ed Jackson will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Cumberland Hall Auditorium on July 6, 2026.The parking lot adjacent to the auditorium at 2211 Hull Rd. is available for attendees. Calling hours will begin at 6:00 p.m.,followed by a brief memorial service at 7:00 p.m. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Sandhills Cemetery on July 7 at 2:00 p.m., a sweet way to celebrate Ed Jackson’s 84thbirthday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Edward and Eleanor Jackson Memorial Scholarship at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303,or online at https://faytechcc.edu///giving/give-now/ by clicking“give now” and putting “Dr. Edward Jackson” in the comments section.