Earl M Jackson

EARL M. JACKSON
MASSENA – Earl M. Jackson "Junior", 94, passed away Sunday evening, January 11, 2026 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse.
Earl was born on June 14, 1931 in Westville, the son of the late Earl W. and Ellen "Ella" R. (Dustin) Jackson. He attended rural schools in Westville and graduated from Fort Covington High School. He entered the United States Air Force in 1951, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1955. He married Jannetta Tougas and was blessed with three daughters before the marriage ended in divorce. On August 20, 1976, he married Shirley Tillson Spanbauer, who survives him.
In 1949, Earl started working at Alcoa, where he continued until 1958 when he started his career at General Motors. He proudly retired from General Motors in 1986. Earl had a great love for woodworking and had a craft shop at his home for many years and was an experienced carpenter. Earl was the last surviving charter member of SeaComm Federal Credit Union. Additionally, Earl was a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry for many years. He was a life member of the American Legion, member of the Westville Historical Organization, and served on the Board of Directors for the Massena Neighborhood Center for many years. Earl was a jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed working outside and was always willing to help others.
Earl is survived by his wife, Shirley; his three daughters, Karen (Joel) Behm of Potsdam, Bonnie (Kevin) Diefendorf of Brownville, and Judy Jackson of Massena; his grandchildren, Joshua (Jamie), Katelyn, Brian (Megan), Brittany (Robert), Emily, Nathan (Lamar); 6 great grandchildren, two of which were named after him; his sister, Joyce Smith of Westville, and nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by an infant brother, Robert Jackson; a sister, Elizabeth Jean Mainville; and a nephew, Kenneth Smith.
Friends may call at St. John's Episcopal Church on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 12:00 PM until the time of his funeral service at 2:00 PM with Mother Sonya Boice, officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring in Massena Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made in his memory to St. John's Episcopal Church, Westville Historical Organization, c/o 75 Moffitt Road, Plattsburgh, or his family will be establishing the Earl M. Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.