Obituary of J. -Richard Jackson

J. Richard Jacksonof EndicottJ. Richard Jackson, 83, of Endicott, New York, entered into rest with family at his side at the Vestal Nursing Center on Saturday, August 26, 2006, following an extended illness. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Jean Power Jackson; and a loving and supportive father and grandfather to his seven children and their families. He is survived by Linda Jackson Battaglini, Christine Jackson George, Jean Jackson, Richard and Cynthia Jackson, Frederick and Carol Jackson, and Elaine Jackson Hoffer. Grampa is also survived by his grandchildren, Cara and Adam Battaglini, Brian and Peter George, Bob and Billy Jackson Wescott, Jamie and Carly Jackson, Erin, Cory and Sarah Hoffer, David Jackson, Jessica Stiff, Catella Visser; and great-granddaughter, Azarea Visser. His sister, Dorothy Smith; and many nieces and nephews, also survive him. He was predeceased by his son, David; his son-in-law, Phillip George; his sisters, Ruth Stone, Mary Leavitt; and his brothers, Paul, William, and G. Frederick Jackson. Dick was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, the sixth of seven children, and was a graduate of St. Mary's grammar and high schools. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 19 missions as a B-17 radio operator and gunner. He received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters during his service. The courage, coolness, and skill displayed by this enlisted man upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Following the war, he graduated from Tufts University's engineering program. He and Jean summered in Nahant, Mass. in their youth, and after their marriage in 1949, spent many happy summers with their children and grandchildren on the Coast Guard Beach there. He worked as an electrical engineer in the Boston area before taking a position with IBM in Endicott, New York where he worked for 22 years. He and Jean raised their children in Lynn and Peabody, Massachusetts from 1950 to 1963, and moved the family to Endicott where they lived for over 40 years. Dick was an accomplished and creative woodworker and built many enhancements to his home and property. He was an excellent ballroom dancer, a talent he maintained even in his waning years. He and Jean enjoyed extensive travels to Europe, Asia and North America. Dick was a quiet and hardworking man who put the needs of his family above his own. His sharp wit and sense of humor was always in the wings, and he'd quietly surprise people with his wry commentary.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, 10 a.m. from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, W. Main Street, Endicott. He will be laid to rest next to his son, David in the Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday (today) from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made, in gratitude for caring and professional staff, to the Residents Council at the Vestal Nursing Center, 860 Old Vestal Lane, Vestal, N.Y. 13850, or to honor the work of Dr. Robert Feldman at the Parkinson Research Center of Boston Medical Center, c/o Office of Development, 660 Harrison Ave., 3rd Floor, Boston, Mass. 02118.