James Melvin Jackson, 67, resident of Bradley, Illinois, died Monday, October 20, 2025. He was born February 20,1958 in Charleston, Missouri to the late Harrison and Mary Jackson Sr.
He received his formal education in Charleston and graduated from Charleston Senior High School. He was a former employee at Caterpillar in Montgomery, IL and Utley Trucking Company in Steele Missouri.
James “Melvin” enjoyed spending time with friends and family, fishing and driving across country.
James “Melvin” is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Avery Lampkin of Cape Girardeau, MO and Desmond Davis of St. Charles, IL., one brother, Ray (Priscilla) Jackson of Bourbonnais, IL, five sisters, Betty Shaw of Dekalb, IL., Harriet Jackson of Charleston, MO, Mary Ann Clay of Aurora, IL, Joann (Jimmy) Moore of Oswego, IL and Princess Jackson of Houston, TX, one sister-in-law, Quenda Jackson, two grandchildren, a special cousin, Leora Hamilton of Charleston MO and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers, Jimmy and Harrison, his sister, Doris Starks, his brothers-in-law, Jimmy Clay, Terry Shaw and Harry Starks, and his nephews, Anthony Jackson and Derick Whitney.
Friends may call Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Opportunity Church of God in Christ in Charleston, MO with Pastor Steve Betts officiating. The Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
304 Vine St P.O. Box 327, Charleston, MO 63834
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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