Robert Hollis Jackman

Robert Hollis Jackman, 92, of Storrs, husband of Jane (Mealy) Jackman, died October 18, 2016 at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born October 30, 1923, the son of the late George and Cordelia (Dagenais) Jackman, at home on Hazelcroft Farm in Hopkinton, MA.  A graduate of Peters High School in Southboro, MA, he was active in sports, especially basketball. He studied engineering at Northeastern University but joined the Army and served 3 years during WWII, mostly in the Pacific. He returned to Northeastern in the fall of 1946 to study biology and met Jane on the first day of registration. They married in 1948. He received a BS in Biology and went on to Boston University where he earned a Master’s in education.  He taught, coached and was principal at various schools in Massachusetts including Dartmouth, Buckland, West Newbury, Charlemont and Norwell. He was named to the National Committee on Small Schools and went on to earn a PhD in Educational Administration from UConn in 1971. He then took a position as Education Chairman at Westfield State College, MA.  A summer vacation to see Alaska led to his being hired as an administrator for the schools in Tanana, followed by the Campus Presidency of Northwest Community College in Nome AK, working with Eskimo communities via long distance learning. He then continued on to Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez AK as Dean.  In 1988 he and Jane retired and bought a “fixer upper” on 9 acres of land; no running water but there was electricity and telephone in Copper Center, AK. The home was entitrely renovated and an extensive vegetable garden system designed. After a bout with viral encephalitis it became apparent that more services were needed and in 2010 they returned to CT where Bob entered MCNR in early 2011.  In addition to his wife of 68 years, Bob is survived by a son Paul Winthrop and his wife Carol and daughters Amy (Andrew Duckett), Tiffany (Jeffery West); a daughter in law, Ione and her son Gregory; and five wonderful great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Bob was the last of his generation.  Bob is predeceased by a son John Jackman; and seven brothers and sisters, plus one adopted brother. The family owes many thanks to lots of people and especially the staff at the MCNR. They were loving and caring, and so special!

There are no calling hours.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com. 

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