James A. Jackson

James A. "Red" Jackson, 85, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 from renal failure. Born June 27, 1923 in Lake Garfield, FL, Mr. Jackson was a lifelong resident of Bartow. A star athlete in high school, he graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the Navy for World War II service. He served in the Atlantic theater in convoy and anti-submarine operations. After his discharge he enrolled at the University of Florida and graduated in 1950. He returned to Bartow as an agriculture teacher at Bartow Junior High School but he later served as a field representative for Growers Fertilizer Co-op in Lake Alfred for 27 years. He was a longtime member of the Bartow Lions Club until his declining health forced his resignation. Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Louise, who was also a member of the class of 1943. He is survived his son Adrian Jackson and daughter-in-law, Jan of Bartow, a granddaughter Erika Sloan of Murphy, TX and two great grandchildren, Taylor and Jackson Sloan. Graveside services will be held in Wildwood Cemetery on Thursday, Oct. 30th at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may made to the First United Methodist Church Building Campaign, 455 South Broadway Ave. Bartow, FL 33830 or to Bartow Lions Club Sight Conservation, P.O. Box 992 Bartow, FL 33831.