Richard Herbert Jackson, 88, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026 after a brief illness

Rick was born in Avoca, New York on June 29, 1937 and grew up in nearby Bath, NY where he enjoyed a quiet, small town life with his younger brother, Gary and their hard-working parents, Wendell and Vinnie, who were local restaurant owners. He went on to attend Hamilton College in New York and later earned his law degree from the University of Virginia—an experience that sparked a lifelong devotion to UVA athletics. A proud Cavalier through and through, Rick rarely missed a chance to cheer on the football team, unless they were losing and then he would turn off the television.

Rick built and thrived in his 35 year career as a lawyer in Fairfax, VA & later continued as a law consultant in Richmond, Virginia – it was a profession he approached with integrity and pride. Outside of work, he knew how to enjoy life with wide-ranging hobbies over the years including golf, sailing, chess, bowling, NASCAR and Indy Car racing, Civil War history, wine drinking & collecting, and feeding the birds that visited his yard. He took particular pride in his cars and kept them in pristine condition.

After retiring from the law firm, Rick and his wife, Linda moved to their beloved Williamsburg, VA and enjoyed a wonderful life there for 30 years with lots of friends and rounds of golf.

In his later years, Rick loved the simple rhythms of daily life—a cup of coffee in the morning, a nap in the afternoon, a glass of red wine in the evening along with time spent relaxing in his recliner watching sports.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Linda J. Jackson; his mother, Vinnie Ackley Jackson Davis; his father, Wendell Robert Jackson; and his son, Richard H. Jackson, Jr.

Rick is survived by his daughter Suzanne Edelbach and son-in-law Doug, stepdaughter Jennifer Schultheis and son-in-law Paul, his grandchildren Ryan, Kyle, Taylor and Tucker and his brother Gary and sister-in-law Esperanza, all of whom he loved deeply and was very proud of.

In keeping with Rick’s wishes, no formal service will be held. He felt he had lived a full life—and those who knew him would agree.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard H. Jackson to the University of Virginia Law School Foundation at https://www.law.virginia.edu/gift, by calling 877-307-0158, or by mail to the UVA Law School Foundation, 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Richard H. Jackson