Midwestern swim coaching fixture John ‘Jack’ Jackson has died at the age of 84.
Jackson coached for 46 years in the midwestern United States. His coaching career included tenures at the Omaha Swim Club, Lincoln Swim Club, Bellevue Swim Club, Omaha Suburban Aquatic Club, Creighton Prep, and Creighton University. He was also involved in the sport at the governmental level, serving on Midwestern Swimming’s Board of Directors and in the House of Delegates.
Jackson coached Renee Magee to the 1976 U.S. Olympic team. Late in his career, Jackson was a local leader in coaching para-athletes, and helped guide two swimmers to the Paralympics. In 2008, he was inducted into the Midwestern Swimming Hall of Fame.
Jackson’s visitation and wake are today in Omaha, Nebraska. His funeral will take place Tuesday morning. He was preceded in death by his wife Dotty.
According to Midwestern Swimming, Jackson was able to attend several sessions of U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha earlier this month before he died. The full statement is below:
The Midwestern Office has received word that long-time Midwestern Coach Jack Jackson passed away on June 24, 2021.
Jack’s 46 year coaching career included the Omaha Swim Club, Lincoln Swim Club, Bellevue Swim Club, Omaha Suburban Aquatic Club as well as Creighton Prep and Creighton University.He also led the way in developing paralympic athletes and was manager for the 1996 USA Swimming’s Olympic Team, the 2000 Paralympic team and the head coach for the 2004 Women’s Paralympic team. Jack served on the Midwestern Board of Directors for more than 20 years.
Swimming was Jack’s life. He and was able to attend several sessions of Wave 1 and Wave 2 of the 2020(1) Olympic Trials at the CHI Health Center. That is where he wanted to be.
RIP Coach Jackson! You will be remembered by your athletes and friends as a dedicated coach and friend!
His swimmers loved and respected him, because of the loyalty, dedication and care he showed them. He made tough swimmers and great people.
RIP, Jack ! You’re one of the good guys in our sport !
Great man and great coach. I learned a lot from Jack. RIP coach.
One of the best people in our sport. I learn a lot from being around him when I coached at Nebraska Aquatics. I learned tough love from him. He ALWAYS cared about his swimmers.
RIP Jack. A great friend!
Jack left hospice during Trials this year to come to the pool and visit with some old friends. He and Dick Shoulberg spent time together at the meet. Great man!
Awesome guy and dedicated coach! He will be missed!