James R. Jackson (84) of Mt Pulaski passed away on August 31, 2017 at Vonderlieth Living Center.

 

Jim was born on March 2, 1933 in Kinmundy, Illinois, the third child of Don C. and Wilma L. Gammon Jackson. He married Sarah K. Thorp in 1952. She preceded him in death in June, 2014. Survivors include four children: Alan (Judi) of Kalamazoo, MI; Linda Stanfield of Henderson, NV; Doug (Janet, deceased) of Philo IL; and Kathy Boward of Mt. Pulaski, IL. Jim had five grandchildren: Valerie Cooper (Alex) of Seattle, WA, Jaime Snyder (Rob) of Henderson, NV, Mathew Stanfield (Mary Jane) of Las Vegas, NV, Bryan Jackson (Lindsey) of Crofton, MD, and Hannah Boward of Mt. Pulaski. He leaves seven great-grandchildren, Owen and Esther Cooper, Chase and Gage Snyder, Kaiden Casper, Matchiko and Deone Stanfield, and twin Jackson great-granddaughters who are on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and Richard, and sister Mary Jane Jost. A sister, Shirley DeVault of Farmer City, survives.

 

Jim attended schools in Clinton, IL, graduating from high school in 1951. Jim’s young family moved to Mt Pulaski in 1957. During his lifetime he worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as a signal maintainer, managed the Hilltop Bowl in Mt Pulaski, was an agent for Metropolitan Life, and retired as a custodian for Mt. Pulaski Township High School. He was a member of Mt. Pulaski United Methodist Church. He served as alderman on the Mt. Pulaski City Council, served on the Park District board, and was a volunteer for the Mt Pulaski Courthouse. He was a member of the Mt Pulaski Masonic Lodge and the Ansar Shrine. Life interests included fishing, bowling, golfing, reading history, and following the Cardinals. He enjoyed taking care of the family pets.

 

Visitation will be from 5–7 on Friday, September 8 at the Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mt. Pulaski. Funeral services will be held at the Mt Pulaski Methodist Church at 10:00 on Saturday, September 9, Pastor Zoila Marti officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton.

 

Memorials: Mt. Pulaski United Methodist Church, Alzheimer’s Association, Vonderlieth Living Center–Activities Fund, or donor’s choice.