Robert R. "Bob" Jackson

Jackson Robert R. "Bob" Jackson, 87, died peacefully at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital on January 29, 2014. He was predeceased by his mother Alma Reed Jackson, father Scott Jackson and brother Scott Jackson, Jr. He is survived by Elizabeth, his loving wife of sixty-five years; daughters, Robin (Ralph) Holland, Rhonda (Emmanuel) Abban, and Renee Jackson; grandchildren, Tiffany, Robby, and Melissa Abban, and David, Regence, and Robby Holland. Bob was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 5, 1926. He graduated from East High School in 1943 and then attended The Ohio State University. After being drafted and serving in the Army, mostly in the Philippines and Okinawa, he returned to The Ohio State University to continue his education. He received a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1950 and a Master of Science in Geology in 1952. Despite two degrees in Geology, Bob worked as an aerospace engineer for 40 years. His service included 25 1/2 years as a senior design engineer with Rockwell International in Columbus, Ohio, where he designed the primary and secondary control system for Navy fighter aircraft. During his 3 years with Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas, he helped to develop their first business jet aircraft. At the end of his career, he worked 11 1/2 years with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), also in Wichita, Kansas, as an aerospace engineer certifying avionic and control systems on business aircraft and Lear jets. He retired in 1992 and returned to Columbus to be near his daughters. In his younger days, Bob enjoyed bicycling, riding more than 2,500 miles in just a few years. He was also an avid bowler and loved playing "penny" poker. He enjoyed swimming and boating. Until recently, he served as a trustee on his Condominium Board. He was a dedicated, long-time member of St. Philip Episcopal Church, where he actively worshipped and served in various ministries. He twice served St. Philip as Junior Warden. He also served twice as a member of the Vestry, and many years on the Planning Committee. In addition, he was a member of the Budget and Finance Committee and served as a faithful "counter" of the church offerings and tithes. He was also a member of the Episcopal Church Men (ECM). Funeral Mass of Resurrection 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave., Columbus, OH 43203. Father, Karl Ruttan, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday, 10 a.m. until the start of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Philip Food Pantry in memory of Robert Jackson. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits