He was born in Oaktown, Indiana November 1, 1942 to Emmett and Anne (Wilkin) Jackson. He graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1960, and attended Indiana State University graduating with a Bachelors degree in Education. During his college years he worked as a musician with many local Blue Grass bands. Mr. Jackson served in the United States Army, the Americal Division. He served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in battle. He was honorably discharged as a retired Army Sergeant. Following his return from the military Mr. Jackson returned to ISU to achieve a Masters degree in education. He married Kim Antcliff July 25, 1984. He taught Industrial Arts at Otter Creek Junior High School. He served on the Board of Directors of the Fayette Bank and Trust in Connersville, IN. Following teaching he began farming in the Cory area until retirement.
In his free time John enjoyed hunting, clay pigeons and skeet shooting, driving his 1966 GTO, playing Blue Grass music, cowboy action shooting, and spending time with family.
He was a member of the National Muzzle Loading and Rifle Association participating in historical reenactments, Life member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited, and participated in Hunters Helping Hunters. He taught, as a volunteer, hunters’ safety classes assisting with Department of Natural Resources. The Indiana Hunter Education Association honored him as the district 5 volunteer instructor of the year for 2005. He also served on various conservation committees throughout the valley and as a volunteer at the Cory Apple Festival for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Anne.
Survivors include his wife Kim Jackson; sons Christopher Wilkin Jackson and wife Maria of Sacramento, CA, John Thomas Jackson and wife Puni of San Francisco, CA Lt. Jacob A. Jackson USMC stationed at Quantico, VA.
