WILMINGTON — John Jackson, 65, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away in his home on April 14, 2025.
A proud and fearless member of the New York Fire Department, John served with unwavering courage, including during the events of September 11th, 2001 — a day that shaped his life and deepened his commitment to service, honor, and brotherhood. He will always be remembered as a hero who ran toward danger when others ran away.
John was a devoted father to three children — Krisiann, Emily, and his beloved late son John. John missed his son deeply and carried his memory with him every day. He found immense joy and purpose in being “Pop Pop” to his two beautiful grandchildren, whose laughter, smiles and energy brought light to his world.
He was endlessly proud of his daughters Krisiann and Emily — of all they’ve accomplished and overcome, both together and individually. Watching them grow into the strong, compassionate, and capable women they are today was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Family was everything to John. He is survived by his daughters Emily and Krisiann; Krisiann’s husband Morgan and their children Joseph and John. John is survived by his ex-wife, Tomiann, as well as his cherished sister-in-law Allison Giglio, her husband Bob, and their children Jeremy and Jamie. He is also survived by his older sister Chris and her husband Charlie, and their sons Christopher and Ryan; Ryan’s wife Laura and their son Jackson. His brother Richard and sister-in-law Genie survive him as well, along with their children: Liz and her husband Tyler (and their children Jackie and Marlowe), Kenny and his wife Emma (and their children Mallen Jo and Luke), and Susanne and her husband Sean, who are welcoming a baby boy this September. John is also survived by his sister Nancy, her son Kevin, and Kevin’s wife Eileen and their daughters Molly and Annie. He is remembered with love by his sister Mary and her husband Bob, and by his brother Michael, his wife Florence, and their daughter Villaire. He is also survived by the matriarch of the Jackson family, Aunt Jo, as well as Fred, Marie, Freddy, Frank, and Julianna — all of whom he loved very much.
A man of many passions, John loved hunting, fishing, playing softball, and spending time in his garden. He was a gifted cook who delighted in feeding his family, and whose Sunday dinners brought everyone together. He had an unshakable sense of what was right and didn’t hesitate to break your balls if he thought you could be better — not out of criticism, but out of love. He pushed the people around him to be their best, often with a sense of humor and an old movie quote or historical reference.
John’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, laughter, and strength. His memory lives on in his family, his fellow firefighters, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Breezy Point, NY. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or New Directions for Women, see both links below.
