"To the family of Russ Jackson: News of the passing of Russell Jackson left me with a sad feeling. My recollection of Russ goes back to the year I brought my family to Shenandoah from Kansas City....1960. He was always a helpful, efficient person whom I met shortly after we arrived. His cheerful nature and ready smile is an impression I shall long remember. My condolences to his daughter and Dave..and his entire family."
In loving memory of
Russell A. Jackson
October 14, 2006
Russell Allen Jackson, son of Robert Allen and Flossie Fern (Strait) Jackson, was born on May 21, 1930, in rural Red Oak, Iowa. He passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 76.
His early life was spent in rural Montgomery County, Iowa, until the age of five, when the family moved to Shenandoah. He attended the Shenandoah Community Schools with the Class of 1947. On November 30, 1947, Russell was united in marriage to Wilma White at the Shenandoah First Presbyterian Church. Following their marriage they made their home in Shenandoah. Russell served six years in the Army National Guard Company E 2nd Battalion 168th Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard. Russell worked for Green Bay Lumber (United Building Center) as manager for 47 years, before retiring in 1997. Over the years, Russell was involved in the Shenandoah Rotary Club, Elks Club, American Legion, Eagles Club (Charter member), the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and was a member of the First Christian Church, where he was baptized in 1966. He was a permanent benefactor of the Elks National Foundation. Russell enjoyed the outdoors and particularly enjoyed the activities of fishing, hunting, camping and golfing when time allowed. He also liked bowling and playing cards with his friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Wilma; parents; brother, Ronald Smith; sister-in-laws, Bette Barber, Bobbi Smith, Shirlee Bargenquast, Vivian and Joan Jackson. Survivors include his daughter, Pam Ponton and her husband Dave of Shenandoah, IA; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Stacey Burson and her husband Jeff, Amy Vance and her husband Steve and their two sons, Zach and Zane, Shawn Ponton and his son, Bennett, Jeff Ponton and Nikki Ponton; brother, Robert Jackson; nieces, Rita Thompson and Genia Thibault; great nieces, Kristin and Jennifer Thibault; other relatives and many friends. Memorials are being directed to the Shenandoah Elks Club #1122.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Rick Sleyster. Organist was Becky Hoenshel. Vocalist was Dr. Charles Peterson, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "On Eagles Wings". Attending the memory register were Lotus Foster and Shirley Pease. Caring for the flowers were Ruth Dwyer and Jamie Skalberg. Ushers were Tim Christensen, Calvin Kinney and Jay Lovitt. Honorary casket bearers were Ron Bartles, Ed Dwyer, Dick Irvin, Darrell Jones and Maury Reavis, also all the Select Motors' employees, Russell's Saturday morning coffee group, and the Elks' afternoon card group. Casket bearers were Eldon Bartles, Richard Blake, Gerald (Shorty) Bredensteiner, Russ Burroughs, Eddie Callahan, Tom Hanna, Dave Helms and Marlin Tillman. Fraternal rites were conducted at the cemetery by the B.P.O. Elks Club #1122 of Shenandoah. The flag was presented to the family by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88 of Shenandoah. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to the Shenandoah Elks Club #1122. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"you were a good friend and honest business man. you will be missed. "
"Nancy and I were saddened to hear the news about Russ. He was a great guy, always with a laugh or a joke on his tongue. We will always remember him as a business friend and a person that cared about other people. We have you all in our prayers here in Texas."
"Pam, Dave, and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this very difficult time."
"So soorry to hear about your loss. Always enjoyed talking with Russ. He helped us a lot when we were building our house. He will be missed. Keeping all your family in our prayers. "