Thomas 'Pinky' Jackson, 81

Tom was born in Kalispell on Nov. 10, 1942, to Tom and Bonnie (Goldhammer) Jackson. He passed away in Bozeman on Oct. 15, 2024. He was the oldest of four children. 

Tom learned to be an automotive mechanic while working with his Grandpa Sam and later his dad at Jackson Machine Shop in Kalispell. His natural ability and experiences led him to a lifelong love of cars.

He became a classic car collector. His joy was his 1963 Thunderbird convertible. He also enjoyed his 1930 Model A Coupe, 1972 Chevy C-10 pick-up, 1957 Thunderbird as well as many others and of course his Corvettes! He enjoyed working on them as much as driving them and won many trophies at car shows.

He also enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and fishing with his lifelong friend Ed Stefanatz.

Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he was a radio operator, in the First Recon, Third Battalion, Third Marines.  "Swift, Silent, Deadly." Tom was awarded the Bronze Star with combat 'V' for Valor. 

He married Scarlette Sykes in 1967, in Kalispell. They have four children, Rocky (Marina), Tina (Gary), Tim, and Randy (Katie). 

Tom was employed by United Parcel Service in 1979. While in Kalispell, he was a mechanic. He was promoted to district automotive manager in Atlanta, Georgia. After retiring in 2001, Tom and Scarlette moved to Bozeman.

He is survived by his wife Scarlette, his children and grandchildren; Rylan, Ava and Scarlett and great-grandchildren; Taylen and Alayna. He is also survived by his sisters; Dixie, Jackie (Fred), and Mary Jo; his nieces, Jodi and Deanna and nephew Michael; and several cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Seth, and his lifelong friend, Ed Stefanatz.