James “Jack” Jackson

James Earl “Jack” Jackson of Dunnville, ON, passed away peacefully in the ExtendiCare Unit of

the Welland Hospital, on Friday March 15, 2024, in his 94th year. Spouse to Beverly for 55

years. Lovingly remembered by his son Jeffrey and daughter Victoria (Mike). Proud grandpa to

Nathan and Violet. Sadly missed by his sisters Gaynell and Jeanette. Predeceased by his

parents Alice and Sammie and 4 brothers Fred, Joe, Edward and Doug.

As a 17 year old boy from South Carolina, he was drawn to the water, to ride the ships of the US

Navy and see the world. He would spend 20 years serving, advancing to Electrician's Mate 1st

class on 11 different ships circling the world in more peaceful times. His first tour, on the USS

Tillamook tugboat, sent him to Kodiak, Alaska soon after WWII to keep an eye on the Russians

but ended up exchanging US freshly made ice cream for freshly made Russian bread. His

electrical career began when he volunteered to run old movies for the crew. This led all the way

to looking after the power generators on ships of all sizes, often sleeping with his head next to

the motors waiting for a change in the hum to alert him to problems. He received various

medals, some of them from his time in the Korean War, Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis.

The closest combat was during the Korean War on an aircraft carrier just out of reach of missile

fire. He had many ship stories and adventures in and out of ports.

He met Bev while moonlighting as a Pinkerton security guard in a library in Philadelphia, PA.

After his retirement, they moved to Canada when his father-in-law opened a new location of

Howard Motors(Car Sales and Repair). In his 25 years as manager, Jack was happiest fixing

everyone’s car rather than selling them, keeping many local cars safely on the road.

After retiring again, he was able to travel more, taking the family on many driving trips

throughout the US and Canada, especially back home to SC. Later leaving the driving to bus,

train and steamboat cruises, where he always made friends along the way.

At home, when he wasn't chasing squirrels off of the bird feeders, he was in his easy chair

watching tv: singing along to old musicals, cheering for The Blue Jays and NASCAR, laughing

at Big Bang Theory and relaxing so much to NCIS, he wouldn’t know how it ended.

He loved his daily trips with his buddies to the local coffee shops to talk with anyone/everyone or

sit by the Grand River reporting back on the water height, boats and fish caught that day. He

loved going out to eat fish any chance he had, always using his sweet Southern charm and

drawl, smiling and holding doors open for people.

In the end, what will be missed most by his family, was his joyful interest in what his children and

grandchildren were up to, making sure they knew they were loved and how proud he was of

them.

Visitation will be held at BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, 315 Broad St E, Dunnville on Thursday, March 21, 2024, 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Private interment at Pleasantview Gardens, Fonthill. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dunnville Health Centre Volunteer Association (DHCVA) Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.