James Floyd Jackson went to be with the Lord on April 12, 2011. He was born on July 30, 1920 in Columbus and was the son of the late Robert Furman Jackson and the late Ollie Jane Biddy Jackson. He made his home on Highway 9 in Sunny View and attended Cooper’s Gap Baptist Church until his last years in Colorado and West Virginia.
He had eight brothers and sisters, seven of whom predeceased him: Henry, Frank, Lloyd, Ray, Sally, Fanny and Lizzy, and is survived by one sister, Pantha Marie Jackson Bridgeman (Tot). He married the late Nellie Maria Carlone Jackson on May 7, 1949. They had two children, Janelle Emily Jackson Wilson of Rosman, N.C., and Nick Jackson of Vale, N.C. Jim adopted and raised three of his grandchildren as his own children: Emily Theresa Jackson Lowery of Rosman, N.C., Tianna Alicia Jackson Cox of Sunny View and Maria Nicole Hicks of Summit Point, W.V. He had one other grandchild, Brian Nicholas Hicks of Knoxville, Tenn. Jim had seven great-grandchildren: Nicholas Andrew Smith, Taylor Michelle Wilson, Tyler James Smith, Bonnie Leigh Wilson, Chelsey Ann Nellene Klie, James Anthony Roderick Klie and Zachariah Issaiah Nathaniel Klie.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was an electrician by trade. However, he was most famous for his custom-made water wheels and his “pickers heaven” on Highway 9. His mother’s home was the first in Polk County to have electricity. He also used his electrical skills to wire the first space shuttle launched from Cape Canaveral.
His great love for his family and his humility he showed to everyone is a great inspiration to those who knew him best. He would give you the shirt off his back. He made great sacrifices for his family and his faith was shown to the very end.
The family will receive family and friends at Cooper’s Gap Baptist Church on April 30, 2-4 p.m., with memorial services to follow.
He will be dearly missed, never forgotten, and always admired. We love you, Daddy.