James D. Jackson

James D Jackson, 72, of Litchfield, IL passed away surrounded by his family Monday, December 31, 2018 at 7:49 P.M. at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Jim was born September 27, 1946 in Litchfield, IL, the middle son of Carl and Juanita (Davis) Jackson.

Jim graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1964 and married the former Linda S. Schmidt the same year. Jim worked many jobs including owning service stations and working as a coal miner for 15 years. He enjoyed working over the years at Niehaus Cycle Sales since retiring from government service as a federal mine inspector.

Jim served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he was awarded medals of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Jim was also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm where he served in the United States Naval Reserve as a SeaBee.

Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Purple Heart Association and the 27th Infantry Regiment Historical Society, where he was a very proud member of the Wolfhound Pack. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, working with his hands, (fixing, building, and restoring projects of all sorts), helping on the family farm and spending time with family and friends where his larger than life presence and helpful ways touched so many and will be greatly missed.

Along with his wife Linda, Jim is survived by his daughters Tami (Tom) Smith and Jamie (Stan Henderson) Jackson; grandchildren Devin (Zach) Allen, Brogan (Peter) Oswald, Carson Strong and Jackson Smith, and great grandson Crosby Oswald all of Carlinville, IL; sister Carla (Robbie) Robinson of Simi Valley, CA and brother Bill (Nancy) Jackson of Butler, IL. Jim is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rose Ann (Russell) Taylor and brother Carl Dean (Marsha) Jackson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield, IL. Visitation will be held 10 am to 12 pm, with funeral services immediately following at noon. Nephew Jake Jackson will officiate and provide the eulogy. Military honors will be conducted at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield, IL. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Litchfield Veterans’ Memorial Garden Fund.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. To view the online obituary and leave condolences please visit litchfieldffs.com.

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