Joe A. Jackson

Joe A. Jackson, 80, of Harlingen, Texas passed away into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home at Golden Palms Retirement Center.

Joe was born on January 18, 1944, the youngest son of Edward and Muriel Reason Jackson of Mannon, Illinois. A special Recognition to Uncle Keith and Lela Reason who helped to raise Joe after the death of his father at the age of 9.

Joe graduated from Westmer High School in 1962. He worked on the family farm and on June 1964 Joe was united in marriage to Sandra Kenney. They were blessed with two sons, Scott in 1968 and Bradley in 1971. They later divorced. On January 14, 1993, Joe was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Gardner and blended two families into one.

Joe was known in his community if anyone needed help, he was right there. He was a member of Joy Volunteer Fire Department; he also helped the local police department.

Joe’s greatest joy was hunting and fishing. He loved the outdoors. He especially loved hunting with his two sons. He started hunting with his sons when they were very young. What a special time.

After he left the farm, he went to work for Bert M. Lafferty Tuckpointing Co. He became a foreman for Bert until Bert died. Joe started a company of his own called Mississippi Valley Restoration. He was recognized by the Iowa State Historical Society for the work he did in restoring old brick building to their original status when they were built. He worked at tuckpointing and painting until his retirement in 2005.

Joe and Ruth Ann did a lot of camping with friends and a lot of fishing and became Winter Texas until they moved to Texas permanently in 2016. They both loved the Rio Grande Valley.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 32 years, Ruth Ann; his sons, Scott (Anita) of Lynn Center, Illinois, Bradley (Louisa) of Warrensburg, MO, Dave (Judene) Gardner of Muscatine, IA; daughters, Lori (Doug) Petersen of Bloomfield, Iowa, and Michelle Gardner (Tracy Hatfield) of Muscatine, IA. There are 12 grandchildren: Tes Loftus, Tyler Jackson, Trista Pourier, Loren Jackson, Caden Jackson, Avery Jackson, Josh Petersen, Brittany Garling, Jennifer Delaney, Heather Orozco, Amanda Radeke, and Melissa Petersen and 20 great grandchildren. Not to be forgotten his sidekick Pete his pug.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Muriel Jackson; and his brother, Andy.

There will be no service locally, but graveside service will be held at Peniel Cemetery on May 24th at 1:00 p.m. in Joy, Illinois.