James Jackson

James “Jim” R. Jackson, 78, Logansport passed away at 5:48AM Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN. Born on February 4, 1934, on a small farm south of Royal Center. He was the son of Clarence and Carrie (Martin) Jackson. He graduated from Logansport High School in 1952. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and began Military Police training, he had a 10 day leave and came home to marry Deloris (Kitty) Higgins.

He spent 20 months serving in Korea and later was assigned to the 8th Army Headquarters in San Francisco at Presidio where he drew Main Gate guard duty. He was also on the Precision Drill Team. He was a bronze star recipient; and earned 2 Army marksman awards, as well as 14 other service metals.

After the service Jim worked for Clearwater Forestry, then as an electrical apprentice and at Chrysler before joining the Logansport Police force. During his career he saved at least one life and delivered two babys, including one in the back of a squad car. He was the last officer to actually walk a beat. Jim retired after 34 years of service in 1992. He established the juvenile aid division, and was in charge of the uniformed division when officers switched from revolver to the more efficient glock handgun . Jim was also responsible for the establishment of an insurance program being instituted for the police department. In the late 1980’s he served as the assistant chief of police.
Jim was honored by the American Red Cross for his life saving efforts and in 1980 was named officer of the year. He served on the board of directors for the Youth Service Bureau . In 1988 Jim received the President Award for serving as the assistant Chief of Police and was honored in 1989 for Law Enforcement Training Board. After 34 years of service he was given a letter of commendation.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He spent a great deal of his free time fishing, hunting, and feeding the wild birds. He was competitive and loved sports; spending many springs and summers umpiring Little League, Babe Ruth, and High School Baseball games. He was a member of the F.O.P., V.F.W, and the Clinton Chapter of the Izaak Walton. Jim was a man of honor and integrity. He valued his friendships, but above all else his greatest love was reserved for his family, especially his wife of 60 years, “Kitty”.

Surving along with his wife are two daughters, Gwendolyn K. (Jim) Jackson, Fort Wayne; Cynthia (Jim) Woodworth, Radcliff, KY; one son, Clay E. (Tracy) Jackson, Logansport; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Caskey, Brandon, Jennifer, Adam, Cole, Zachery, and Luke Jackson; three great grandchildren, Jasmine and Ethan Caskey, Connor Jackson; one sister, Ruth Ann D’Andrea, Logansport.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Paul, Earl, and Wayne Jackson, and one sister, Mary Engle.

A funeral and FOP service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 27, 2013 in the Gundrum Funeral Home with Ed Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. Johns Cemetery with full military graveside rites
Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 PM on Saturday, January 26, 2013 also in the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Logansport V.F.W.
You may sign the guestbook and send online condolences at www.gundrumfuneralhome.com

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