John I. Jackson
1920 – 2014


AGAWAM – John I. Jackson, 94, formerly of West Springfield died Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Birmingham, England and came to the United States in 1926 settling in Worcester. He attended Northeastern University. After joining the United States Army Air Corps, he became a 1st Lieutenant Pilot stationed in North Africa and Italy during World War II. John was a retired paint salesman for Clement Paint in Springfield and Standard Paint in West Springfield. While in Worcester, he was a communicant of All Saints Church and after moving to West Springfield he became a communicant of the Church of Good Shepherd, where he served as a vestryman and Junior Warden. He enjoyed bowling and golfing with his late friend Harold Dowler, who died in 1982. He leaves his wife Eleanor M. (Cross) Jackson; three children Dorothy Anziano and her husband Thomas, Richard Jackson and his wife Crystal and Barbara Lawson and her husband Bruce; four grandchildren, Robert, Gina, Erin and Jamie. Eight great grandchildren; Steven, Justin, Alysha, James, Jared, Jacob, Julianna, and Bryton. A great great grandchild, Isabella. He also leaves his brother Robert J. Jackson; a niece Donna Hamalainen; and two nephews Michael and Philip Jackson. A special thank you from the family to Heritage Woods, Heritage Hall South and Heritage Dialysis for the special and exceptional care he received. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral home service in the morning from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney foundation 30 East 33rd Street New York, NY 10016.