John R. Jackson

John R. Jackson, 79, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 2, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, IN. Born in Chicago, IL, on November 19, 1943, the years of his youth were spent in the Windy City. From 1964 to 1967, John served his country in the U.S. Navy, spending much of his time stationed in Norfolk, VA. Upon his return to Illinois, he managed a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Robinson, IL, and later found employment at the local Marathon refinery, providing for his loved ones until an unfortunate accident led to a career shift. John continued to display his resilience and dedication to work by serving his community at the local unemployment office until his retirement.

In his later years, John found joy in gardening, regularly appreciating the yield of fresh tomatoes and beautiful flowers from his garden. An avid follower of "Survivor", "NCIS", and a number of other television series, he also relished the thrill of travel. The beach was his sanctuary, and he frequently sought solace in the seashores of Florida and the coastal beauty of Mexico. His passion for adventure extended to Europe, where he often visited his family.

John was not only well-traveled but also well-driven, known for his lead foot and a penchant for buying new cars. For years, he drove to the casino in Evansville, where he spent countless hours manning slot machines. He would also drive his grandkids to Sullivan Lake, and they'd often top the day off with a trip to Dairy Queen, where he would indulge his sweet tooth with a chocolate shake. His grandkids could never forget these precious moments, nor the sound of their grandpa singing songs like "You Are My Sunshine" to wake them up and welcome the start of a new day. From casual visits to celebrating the holidays and making Christmas cookies together, he truly cherished time spent with his loved ones...though he was known to give them (and everyone, for that matter) a hard time! While he was known to be grouchy and complaining, he also possessed a heart that beat outside of itself, evidenced by his willingness to go out of his way to help anyone in need.

The legacy of John Jackson - his humor, his love for his family, and all his delightful quirks - will be celebrated forever. May our memories of him be as sweet as a chocolate shake, may these memories create in us a lasting legacy of love, and may his adventurous spirit continue to inspire us to journey ahead on the road of life with the accelerator glued to the floor and a song in our hearts!

He is survived by his former spouse and dear friend, Fawneile Jackson (Olney, IL); by his son, Steve Freeman (Marion, IL); by his daughter & son-in-law, Nikki & Eddie Guyer (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Ashley Attaway, Adam & Carmen Alspach, Sierra Freeman, TJ & Elycia Freeman, Sienna Freeman, Blayze Guyer, and Destiny Guyer; and by his great-grandchildren, Patience Attaway, Bryson Alspach, and Mallory Alspach; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas & Frances A. (Sparrow) Jackson; his brother, Larry Jackson; his daughter, Angie Brock; his granddaughter, Madison Brock; and his dear friend, Bob Falconbury.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday and will be officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share their memories and thoughts of this dear man. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, rural West Union, IL, where military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Navy and the West Union American Legion Post #1130.

Memorial contributions may be made to the "American Cancer Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.