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John Jackson Obituary
John Calvin Jackson Jr., 82, Cumru Township, lost his fight with Parkinson's
disease on Oct. 5, 2010, while in hospice care at Reading Hospital.
John and his wife, Carol Ann (Lavigna) Jackson, celebrated their 52nd anniversary in August.
Born and raised in Reading, John was a son of the late John Calvin "Cal" Jackson - a prominent WEEU radio personality – and Lillie E. (Moyer) Jackson.
A graduate of Mt. Penn High School in the class of 1945, John was an athletic standout in four sports and went on to play semi-pro baseball.
He attended the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising, then worked for 22 years in advertising with Beaumont, Heller and Sperling and 17 years in sales training and suggestion programs with Carpenter Technology.
He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers: Elmer, James and Robert Jackson. All of the Jackson brothers proudly served their country in uniform.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by a son, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Colonel John Calvin Jackson III, and his wife, Laura, Orlando, Fla.; and a daughter, Jayme Carol (Jackson) Stevenson, and her husband, John, Darien, Conn.
His eight grandchildren loved him as "Pop Pops" – John's children: Taylor (20), Hannah (12), and Catherine (9) Jackson; and Jayme's children: Alexandra (20), Samantha (19), Charlett (16), McKenna (14), and John (11) Stevenson.
John was a natural leader, loved his country and gave back to his community in many ways.
He served as president of the Susquehanna Lithographics Club; president of the AF Academy Parents' Club of Central PA; president of the Governor Mifflin Music Association; and member/chair on the Cumru Township planning commission.
He had a beautiful singing voice and performed in six musicals as a 49-year member of Reading Civic Opera. As those who knew him well can attest, John's lifelong hobby was golf – he held a near-scratch handicap when he was younger and played well into his 70s.
Perhaps more than anything about him, friends and family will remember John for his winning personality and unwavering devotion to the people in his life. His huge heart, terrific sense of humor and unconditional support lifted and sustained us all.
The world is a better place for the ever-positive influence he had on everyone he encountered.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Oct. 10, 2010, at Lutz Funeral Home Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Ave., Mount Penn, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Berks County Visiting Nurse Association at www.berksvna.org. For online condolences, please visit www.lutzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Jackson
Sponsored by anonymous.
Joanne Baxewanis
October 14, 2010
Dear Jayme, John and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May his memory be eternal. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 11, 2010
Dear Carol and family,
So sorry to hear about John. He is in a better place and my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Linda Hertz McKenna (WRHS '56)
Leesburg, Florida
Jeanne Wright
October 8, 2010
Hello, this is Jeanne Jackson Wright, sister to Brenda Jackson Muth and John Earl Jackson. She has told me of your loss and I wish to extend my condolences to your family. I remember meeting Aunt Lilly and rememering how beautiful she was. Also, visiting Uncle Evan & Aunt Cora's farm when I was young. Blessings to your family at this time.
Tom Herrmann
October 8, 2010
Jayme,
So sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I read your Dad had a huge heart, gave back to his community, and demonstrated unconditional support and devotion to the people in his life. I know this is true because Matthew 12:33 tells us: “A tree is recognized by its fruit”.
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Valerie Gehr
October 8, 2010
Jayme and family: My sympathies on your father's passing.
Sandy (Adams) Kammer
October 8, 2010
Mrs. Jackson, John and Jayme,
I am so sorry to hear this news. He was such a genuine guy and lit up a room when he entered it. I think of all of you often and hope you are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Cynthia Marsh
October 7, 2010
Carol and Family,
Richard always enjoyed his talks with JJ whenever he visited Albright. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Muth
October 7, 2010
Greetings from your distant relatives in California. I was sorry to hear of your loss. I know that my parents, Richard & Margaret Jackson, talked of John, Sr. and his family with fondness. My brother is also named John Earl Jackson, the Earl being for our Grandfather. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. I spotted many family traits that we have in common. God bless.
Chris Slater
October 7, 2010
Carol & family,
So sorry to hear about your husband/father/grandfather. Just lost my Mom so I know how tough it is for family.
I do believe that those who pass move onto something better if they love the Lord.
Relish in the comfort of all who are thinking of you, and may the memories bring you comfort as well, and peace.
Shelly Johnson-Heffner
October 7, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear about cousin John. My mother Edith Jackson loved his visits and always spoke highly of him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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