James E. Jackson

August 19, 1939 – October 17, 2022

Middletown, NY

James “Jim” Jackson, a lifetime Middletown resident, entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2022 at Middletown Park Manor with his family by his side. He was 83. 

One of the late Christopher and Dorothy Brown Jackson’s four children. Jim was born on August 19, 1939 in Middletown, NY. He Graduated from Middletown High School in 1957 and later Delhi with honors. At Delhi, he ran cross country and was on the basketball team. He was President of the Honor Society, Vice President to his fraternity and one of five students elected to the Student Senate.

After college, Jim worked as a District Manager in the steel building industry for over 50 years. He thrived on the everyday challenge of building design and sales and the relationships he made with his contractors. He also became active in several civic groups to stay involved with and give back to the community he was a part of and loved. He was both a member and Past President of the Middletown Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1097, a member of the Middletown Fire Dept Board of Trustees, a former member of the Minisink Valley Board of Education and a member of the Wallkill Industrial Development Agency for over 20 years. He was also a dedicated member of the Ontario Hose #5 Fire Department to which he proudly served for 65 years. During his time with theOntario’s he was the only member to twice be elected President, one of three members to be awarded a lifetime membership(1990) and was Ontario of the year three times. 

From 1968 to 1986, Jim partnered with Dick Bell for live broadcasting of High School football and basketball games for WALL radio in Middletown. He also followed one of his greatest passions, the Green Bay Packers from city to city as a reporter interviewing players. However, his love of sports truly emanated with his proudest passion of all, his family. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play ball. He coached Otisville little league and Otisville youth basketball for many years. He always found time to make everyone’s games and most of their practices! He was happiest when he was surrounded by family whether it be sporting events, Sunday dinners or anything in between. Jim was a proud and selfless man with a wonderful sense of humor, an extraordinary friend to all and even better father and Granky. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, at home; his five children James D. Jackson (Bill), Kellie Fairweather (Steve), Jodi Jashembowski (Donnie), Jeff Jackson (Katey) and Brad Jackson; three step-children Linda Rumrill (Mike), Diane Druryand Richard Morse. He is also survived by ten grandchildren Steven (Effie), Ryan, Tyler, Casey, Jeffrey, Khloey, Levi, Kali, McKenzie and Trent; two great grandchildren Tommy and Kyle; six step-grandchildren Christopher, Sara, Michael, Matthew, Alyssa and Jacqi. His surviving siblings are Robert Jackson (Vickie), Carol Richmond and Mary Sessions. 

Visitation for Jim will take place on Monday, October 24 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. in Middletown. A funeral service of remembrance will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 25 at the Otisville Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church, 25 Main St. in Otisville at 10am with Pastor Jeff Farley officiating. Burial will be in the family plot at Mt Hope Plains Cemetery. 

In Lieu of flowers, do an act of kindness and any donations may be made to the Middletown Lion’s club or a favorite local charity.