James Anthony Jackson's Obituary
James Anthony Jackson, 88, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday morning, November 11, 2015, in his home surrounded by his family.
James was born April 23, 1927, in Mishawaka, IN to Anthony Miles and Hildegard (Vandewalle) Jackson. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He married Marilyn Lois Anhalt on September 4, 1954, in Sheboygan, WI. She passed away on March 30, 2010.
James was a founding member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He was an avid reader, amateur adventurer and a frequent traveler to many points in the world. He learned to fly after retirement from Caterpillar and enjoyed anytime he could spend in the air. His many hobbies included gardening, stained glass, woodworking and crafting with his wife. He was generous, charismatic and a gentle spirit that was kind to everyone he met. He had little formal education but remained a lifelong learner.
He enjoyed and was proud of his family. He is survived by his four children, Mary Kay (Harold) Frazier of Kansas City, MO; Carol (Timothy) Maylone of Williamsburg, MI; Allan (Barbara) Jackson of Denver, CO and Tina (John Mark) Moore of Decatur; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Joshua, Lindsay, Connor, Carly, Samuel, Justin, Trina (Tim) O’Boyle, Amanda and Rebba; three great-grandchildren, Tristan, Liam and Patrick; one brother, Charles (Anne) Jackson of New Bern, NC; and two sisters, Mary (Walter) Grenier of Lamonine, ME and Betty (Jack) Foy of New Bern, NC; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his “coffee buddies”, Gil Largent, Ed Strobel and his God son, Dennis Stapleton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn; and four brothers, Patrick, Daniel, David “D.J.” and Robert Jackson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home with Liturgical Prayers recited at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Assumption where full military honors will be conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to Priests of the Sacred Heart Monastery: P.O. Box 900 Hales Corners, WI 53130-0900 or St. Joseph’s Indian School: P.O. Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326.
The family of James Jackson is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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