William Jackson Sr., of Blakely, died Wednesday evening in AseraCare Hospice at Mid-Valley Hospital. His wife of 47 years is the former Patricia Ann Rutkowski.
Born in Dickson City, son of the late Merriot and Mildred Runyon Jackson, he was a graduate of Blakely High School and was a veteran of the Navy SeaBees, MC 6. Before retirement, he was employed by Casket Shells Inc., Eynon, and Miller Trucking. He retired from Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669. He was a member of the Blakely American Legion William Hopkins Memorial Post 570, where he was president. He was a lifelong member of the Blakely Hose Company 2 and was a member of the N.S.V.A. Island for Pennsylvania and the Blakely Baptist Church.
He enjoyed bowling and played on several area teams. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing with his sons and nephews. He was a faithful fan of the Boston Red Sox and Washington Redskins. He was a loving gentleman and was a wonderful husband and father who cared for his family. He had many friends who will miss him. Always smiling, he courageously escorted his wife to many operas and Northeastern Pennsylvania classical concerts.
Also surviving are three children, Lisa and husband, David Jones, Connecticut; William Jr. and wife, Bonnie, Dickson City; and Ken and his companion, Nicole, Blakely; two brothers, Thomas and Robert, both of Blakely; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. from the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home, 129 Grant St., Olyphant, with the Rev. Robert Finley, pastor of the Taylor Primitive Church, officiating. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, Montdale.
Friends may call Sunday, 7 to 9 p.m., and Monday, 9 a.m. until time of service. Military services by Blakely American Legion Post 570. For additional information, visit www.glinskyfuneralhome.com.