Francis Jackson

Francis D. Jackson CHESAPEAKE - Francis Danford Jackson, 93, born Nov. 30, 1915 in Gates County, North Carolina, died Oct. 19, 2009, at home with his children by his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Mildred Luck Jackson; his parents, Fannie Mae Skinner and Daniel F. Jackson; two brothers; and three sisters. Francis is survived by daughter, Winifred "Freddie" Jackson Molleen; son, James "Jay" Javan Jackson; a brother, William Jackson; a sister, Indee Read; six grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren. Francis was a charter member of West End United Methodist Church and had served in several capacities including president of the Dean Cornelius Sunday School Class. He also was instrumental in the establishment and building of St. John Methodist Church (now Covenant United Methodist Church) on Dock Landing Road. Always civic minded, he anxiously awaited his 12th birthday to be able to join the Boy Scouts. He was a member of Troop 3 sponsored by the American Legion. They met over the Gates Theater on High Street. In the mid-1930s and while living with his sister in Baltimore, Francis was employed by Glen L. Martin Aircraft Co. He was fortunate to have worked on the "China Clipper," Pan America Airways Flying Ship and the first transpacific aircraft to the Orient. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a planner/estimator in the sheetmetal shop. Being patriotic, his attempt to volunteer and join brothers at the outbreak of World War II was blocked by the government because his job was deemed essential to the war effort. He joined the civil defense system and served as a zone warden for the Westhaven-Grove Park area. He coached Little League Baseball for several years for the Portsmouth John Tyler and Westhaven teams. Francis requested and was accepted in Western Branch Masonic Lodge No. 189 in 1962, thus beginning a long devotion to the craft. He became a member of Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies in the fall class of 1967. He was active in the degree work and served in many positions including Tiler, Almoner, Master of Charter of Rose Croix, and Chairman of sick committee. He was also a member of Miriam Chapter No. 94 of the Order of the Eastern Star. For his devotion and work in Masonry, church and civic activities, he was selected in 1985 to receive the Rank of 33 degree. A funeral will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by Pastor Rick Geoghegan. The family will receive friends in the funeral home the hour before the service. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. Flowers are graciously declined and memorial donations are suggested to go to West End United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.