Ronald Jackson

Ronald Leo Jackson passed into the arms of Jesus 09/27/2025, surrounded by family. As were Ron's wishes, cremation has taken place. A time to share stories and visit with family will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA. Memorial contributions in Ron's honor may be directed to the Living Hope Bible Church and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Ronald Leo Jackson was born 3/5/1941 in Des Moines Iowa, to Leonard and Gretchen (Ackelson) Jackson. Ron spent most of his life in the Eldon and Floris area.
Ron is survived by his son Roger (Kimber) Jackson, his daughter Jody (Doug) Baker, his sisters Dorothy Stump, Norma Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren – Ashley (Archie) Piquet, Drew (Emily) Jackson, Dakota (Hilary) Jackson, Johnna (Brady) Kelsey, Tanner (Ashlyn) Chance, and Levi Baker. As well as 11 great grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Merle, Roy, and Dale Jackson, and his sister Barbara Whitmore.
Ron worked for the Rock Island Railroad, Valley Supply, and John Deere where he retired in 1999. Ron had many passions in his life. He loved his family well and supported them as they grew up attending many dance recitals, leading a scout troop and always ready to go hunting, fishing or on an adventure. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter spending as much time in the fall, winter and spring in God's creation as possible. Iowa was his main hunting grounds but often traveled to Missouri and made several trips to Colorado to chase elk in the Rocky Mountains. He loved fishing in local ponds, rivers, area lakes, as well as trips to Canada and South Carolina with friends and family.
Ron came to love Gold Wing motorcycles and put hundreds of thousands of miles on them in poker runs, tooling around SE Iowa, visiting family in Ohio, touring national parks and trips across Canada and through the Rocky Mountains. He was also fond of cruise ships. Ron was very handy, could fix nearly anything (except maybe plumbing) and worked on stock cars for local racers. Ron loved country music, often breaking out in song fitting for the situation or to amuse his grandkids. He loved to dance and spent many Friday and Saturday nights doing so. He was always ready to help anyone who was in need (a project, a ride, some cash, or a listening ear). He was an inspiration to many and had his life changed through AA and Al-Anon.
That deepened his faith which led him to Living Hope Bible Church where he was a member and could be found nearly every Sunday morning.
His testimony lets us know he has heard "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21
The family is so thankful for the caring staff at Timber Ridge in Ottumwa, Care Initiatives Hospice of Albia, as well as his many friends who visited him often as he endured Parkinson's with courage and grace.