GOFFSTOWN, N.H. – John A. Jackson Sr. , 79, of 32 Emerald Circle, Goffstown, N.H., died March 11, at Catholic Medical Center of pneumonia after five years of declining health after a successful battle with cancer.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 23, 1930, as the first child of Melvin and Evelyn Jackson. He has resided in Goffstown since his retirement and for many years prior, raised his family in Lisbon, where he worked as a supervisor at Bates Manufacturing and Town Dress Co.

He will long be remembered for his extraordinary skills as a fashion designer and tailor, and his custom creations include dozens of wedding dresses and hundreds of formal gowns.

He was an active member of the Masonic Order, the Order of the Eastern Star, the International Order of Rainbow and DeMolay International and has held numerous positions at the local and state level in both Maine and New Hampshire.

In his life he was a 32nd degree Mason and held the following offices and positions: past master, Ashla Lodge 105, Auburn, past patron, Mt Olivit Chapter 29, Auburn, Kora Clown, Kora Temple, Lewiston, Kora Craftsman, Kora Temple, Lewiston, past dad advisor, Lewiston Assembly 14 IORG, past dad advisor, Auburn Chapter, DeMolay. past advisory board member, Lewiston Assembly 14 IORG, past patron, Martha Washington Chapter 6, Goffstown, N.H., past grand representative for Grand Chapter of N.H. to Arizona, past grand warden, Grand Chapter of N.H., past master, Bible Lodge 27 Goffstown, N.H., past advisory board member, Goffstown Assembly 27 IORG, past advisory board member, Goffstown Chapter, DeMolay.

He was survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy J. H. Jackson and four children, John Jr., Richard, Jane Reed and Stephen; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Pricilla May McMahon of Providence, R.I.