Donald Edmund Jackson, age 75 of Rockford, died and “passed from polluted earth into pristine heaven” Saturday, Feb. 20, after a brutal but brief fight with cancer.
Born Aug. 21, 1945, he grew up in Moline, and was a graduate of Calvin College. A self-styled entrepreneur, Don owned several businesses in his life, and dived into diverse fields such as farming, puzzle-making, candle-making, educational and motivational materials, retail, insurance, sales of various products and systems, construction, music, and others.
He and his wife, Marcia, made and distributed kitchen scrubbies for many years. He was a teacher for several years in Wayland Union Schools. During his youth, he was known as a feared hitter on western Michigan fast-pitch softball fields.
He is survived by siblings John R. Jackson (Marlene), Mary Jane (Allen) Matyas, and Paul W. Jackson; step-children Scott Winters, Norma Winters, Brian Winters, Sarah (Charles) Schoen; and grandchildren, Nicole Larson, Alexis Winters, Rachel and Derek Ash, Nathan Schoen, Tyles Schoen; great grandson, Javen Cronin; several nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Wesley E. Jackson, DVM, and Martha (Nagelkirk) Jackson; a sister, Marcia Ann Jackson; his son, Thomas Edmund Jackson; sister-in-law Monica Jackson; his first wife Jane (Dirkse); and his wife Marcia (Winters), who passed before him in September 2020.
As Don had wished, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held later in the year when it is allowed.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Praise in the Park of Rockford, 151 E. Bridge St., Rockford, MI 49341-1260
