Ralph Christa Jackson Jr.

1929 - 2016

Ralph Christa Jackson, Jr., 86
PORTLAND - Ralph Christa Jackson, Jr., 86, of Portland passed away Tuesday evening with his children by his side. He was born Aug. 22, 1929 in Portland to Ralph C. Sr, and Kathleen (Putnam) Jackson.
He attended Portland Schools and graduated from Deering High School, class of 1948. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After basic training, he attended Aviation Radioman's School and Flight Training in Norfolk, Va. Ralph served aboard the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, attaining the rank of Aviation Radioman First Class. He was attached to Torpedo Squadron VC 33, flying Grumman TBF Avenger and Douglas AD4N Skyraider aircraft during the Korean War.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Mr. Jackson moved to Inglewood, Calif. He worked for the Douglass Aircraft Company in 1952, then for North American Aviation, building F-86 Sabre Fighter Jets. Ralph met the love of his life in California, Mary Jane Knudsen. They were married on March 13, 1954 and returned to Portland to start a family. Ralph worked for J.H. Jackson and Son General Contractors upon returning to Maine until 1961, when he was hired by S.D. Warren as an electrician. Ralph and Mary would have four children together.
Mr. Jackson was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 in Portland as well as a Life Member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post. He was a charter member of The Squadron's Thirty-Three Association, as well as a Life Member. He was a member of the Tailhook Association, and belonged to The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2233. He also was a member of the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club.
Ralph was predeceased by his wife in 1977; and by his grandchild Leonard Truong.
He is survived by his children, Stephen M. Jackson of Augusta, Kellie L. Truong and husband Lloyd of Los Angeles, Calif., Ruth J. Crosby and husband Michael of Westbrook and Scott A. Jackson of Portland; grandchildren Joshua, Lawrence, Sarah and greatgrandchild Abbot.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday May 16, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at
Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home,
199 Woodford Street where at 7 p.m. a service will be conducted by VFW Post 6859. A Celebration of Life for Ralph will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday May 17, 2106 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park. For further information and to send a tribute in Ralph's memory please visit www.
jonesrichandhutchins.com.