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William E. Jackson "Wild Bill" passed on to his Heavenly home on February 1st, 2026.
Born in Akron, Ohio to Harry and Mary {Refi} Jackson, Bill joined the Navy Reserves for a short time and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Homestead, Florida AFB.
He worked as a mechanic most of his life and enjoyed NASCAR, motorcycles, rock & roll, ice cold beer and a good game of pool, hiking, biking, weightlifting and spending time with the ones he loved.
He loved animals and spent a lot of time transporting dogs between animal shelters for Brother Wolf in Asheville. He had 2 rescue dogs, Rocky and Coco, who were like his children. He was a natural entertainer with a biting sense of humor and a matter-of-factness that would keep you laughing. He was an awesome spoon player! He loved listening to CCR, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, and Don McLean.
He loved his home in North Carolina, where he lived for 40 years. He especially loved the city of Asheville, the beautiful mountains, and being out in nature. He felt at home in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Akron, where he returned recently to live out his diagnosis of Vascular Dementia with his family.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Katherine, and John Jackson, he leaves to cherish his memory David (Lauren), Jennifer, Lorie (Roger); grandchildren Meriah, Jessica, Hanah, Kiefer, Summer, Collin, Willow, Savana, Gunner, Mara, and Ripley; step-sons Kenny and Jimmy; and Kathy's niece, Sherry. He also leaves great-grandchildren Karder, Rayne, and Matthew; life-long friend Bud Lewis; friends and neighbors Donny, James, and Chris.
His daughter and caregiver, Lorie would like to thank The Colony Health Center for their tireless hours of love, endless dedication and respect in the care given during the last 6 months of his life, the compassionate nurses at Summa Hospital, the officers with a sense of humor at the Akron PD, and the staff at Molly Brown's Kitchen.
Per Bill's wishes, there will be no funeral. There will be a celebration of life planned in the summer for his birthday. He would like everyone to listen to "The Prophet" by Kris Kristofferson and think fondly of him, as he related well to the song.
Donations can be made in Bill's name to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, PO Box 8195 Asheville NC 28814, or to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Rest in Heaven, my Superman.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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