Obituary of James A. Jackson

Spencerport, NY. Monday, February 6, 2023, at age 90. Predeceased by his mother, Nellie Bowen; father, Willett Jackson; sisters, Jean Klein and Celia Ponton. Survived by his loving wife, Carol W. Jackson; children, Diane (Ron) Perry, James H. (Laurie) Jackson, Jean (Tom) Kuter, Joan (Dickson) Hawthorne; grandchildren, Eric (Jenna) Perry, Christopher (Ana) Jackson, Ryan (Lauren) Perry, Joseph (Kate) Jackson, Andrew (Brandie) Kuter, Jordan (Andrew) DelMedico, Colby (Mason) Hawthorne, Lauren (Peter) Nice, William (Alyssa) Jackson, Karolann (Brett) Adams, Janelle (Michael) Hawthorne; 2 step-grandchildren, Brent (Kim) Perry, Alyson Perry; 14 ¾ great-grandchildren;  sisters, Linnett DeMocker, Joan Ferris; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Ferguson, Pam (John) Kissel; and special nieces, nephews and many friends.  

Jim was born November 21, 1932, in Brockport, New York. He married his "Rosebud" on September 4, 1954. Together they raised four children, Diane Carol, James Harold, and twins, Jean Linnett and Joan Denise on Whittier Road in Town Pump. He worked for 37 years at Eastman Kodak as a supervisor at the Distribution Center. Lucky for him, he was able to enjoy retirement for longer than his working career!

Second, to the love of family, he and Carol loved to collect antiques and went all over the country looking to add to their collection of figural bottle openers. They belonged to a Figural Bottle Opener Club that he presided as President for some time. 

They spent many happy winters in Florida, enjoying time with his mother and sisters. Summers they resided at their camp on Black Lake surrounded by family, which he insisted on. The Lake was the catalyst for the closeness of the Jackson family. He loved to sing songs around the campfire and on nightly cruises aboard the party boat. His children and grandchildren will continue this tradition going forward. In later years he was happy to sit in his recliner in the sun and watch the activity of his kids and grandchildren, surely thinking he was supervising that day's project. His love of the lake prompted him to become involved in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's water quality monitoring program. He and his sister-in-law, Harriett Bartlett collected water samples for them for over 23 years.

Some of his favorite people in St. Lawrence County were the Amish. He loved to visit with them and purchase fresh vegetables, especially radishes. He always made sure to have a bag of lollipops in the car for the Amish children, they loved when they saw his car approaching for this treat.

He collected many friends both here and at the lake, in fact, he liked to communicate with friends and family via his weekly "Monday Missive".  People were very disappointed when a week went by without this greeting!

He and Carol were members of the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Churchville where he served on their Board of Trustees for some years.

Jim was a popular man around town and visited many a folk, never hesitating to speak his mind to them all. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and friendship that many should emulate these days. In his memory, think of stepping out of your comfort zone and make a new friend today!

Visitation for James will be held on Friday, February 10 from 2-5 pm at the funeral home, 15 West Ave., Spencerport. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 11 am at the Union Congregational Church, 14 N. Main St., Churchville.

You may donate in James' memory to the Black Lake Association PO Box 308 Hammond, NY 13646