Obituary of James D. Jackson

James D. Jackson, 83, died March 22 in Mullica Hill, NJ. Jackson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959. He was stationed at NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy and also served on the USS Claud Jones during the Cuban missile crisis. Jackson obtained the rank of Yeoman 2nd Class and was honorably discharged in 1963. Born in Wilmington, DE, he was a 1958 graduate of DuPont High School and a 1965 graduate of Goldey-Beacom College where he earned an Associate Degree in accounting. James worked for 32 years at Carter Lincoln Mercury in Woodbury, raised his family in Glassboro, and enjoyed his retirement years living in Mullica Hill. He was a former member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Pitman and of the Woodbury Rotary Club. James was much beloved by everyone who knew him. He was a kind, thoughtful, articulate, direct, hardworking man who loved his family and the country he gladly and proudly served. In his retirement he much enjoyed the privilege of helping raise his grandchildren with whom he shared many adventures, his love of nature, and his secrets for baking delicious chocolate chip cookies. James enjoyed gardening, entertaining friends and family, and making the people he loved feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated beyond measure. He was an avid reader and as quick with a helping hand as he was with a compliment. He is survived by his children James D. Jr. (Karl Marking) and Jill J. Higgins (Keith); his grandchildren Ross, Jessica, and Allison Higgins; his brother Donald J. Jackson (Ramona); his niece Nikki Haffly (Justin); his nephews Andrew Jackson (Rachel) and Matthew Jackson; and his best friend Frank Camiolo. Additional nieces and nephews Derrick Johnson; Tammy Bredbenner; Chris Johnson; Randy Johnson; and Terry Skidmore. James is predeceased by his parents, Donald and Myrtle Jackson, and a brother Jerry Jackson. Friends may call on Tuesday, March 26 from 9:30 to 11:00AM in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service at 11:00AM. Interment Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro, NJ. Those desiring to do so may make contributions to the American Heart Association at https://pages.heart.org/heartsem_v1