William M. Jackson

William (Bill) M. Jackson passed peacefully March 23, 2024, surrounded by family. Bill was born September 8, 1942, to Obea and Elsie Jackson in Anderson, MO.  He graduated from Anderson High School in 1960. Later, he attended Kansas City Business College studying Traffic Management.  After high school graduation, he moved to Kansas City to find a job. 

His early jobs included Abe’s Grocery, Wilson’s Sporting Goods, and Koch Refrigeration in Kansas City, Kansas.  He worked for Allis Chalmers AGCO Combine Corporation in Independence, Missouri for 30 years.  During that time, he held various positions in the local union, USWA United Steelworkers, including president, treasurer, and union steward. 

Family was the most important thing to Bill.  He loved having everyone over to the Jackson Ranch for holidays and other family gatherings.  He also enjoyed the annual Jackson family reunion which is in its 20th year.  

Bill was a collector, which certainly made it easier to buy gifts for him.  He would probably say his greatest collection was housed in his John Wayne room.  He also had a western room filled with Roy Rogers memorabilia and all things western.  Bill loved music and played the guitar.  He could identify songs and artists after the first few notes were played.  One of his prized possessions was a 1956 Thunderbird previously owned by actress Diana Lynn.  He enjoyed participating in car shows and was a member of the Heart of America Thunderbird Club.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Obea & Elsie Jackson; two brothers, Garlin and James Jackson; and four sisters: Essie Kurpinski, Verna Mae Brock, Ola Martin, and Bonnie Bernard.

Bill is survived by Teddy, his wife of 59 years; three daughters: Jennifer Craig (Scott), Melanie Jackson (Bill Sydor), and Rhonda Gray (Jeff); four grandchildren: Kaleigh Driggs (Patrick), Jackson Murkin, Kristyn Driscoll, and Matt Driscoll; nine great grandchildren; his brother, Tom Jackson; sisters, Mary Lou Motley and Launa Parker; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 1-2pm on Thursday, March 28, at Longview Funeral Home, with services to follow at 2pm.  Burial will take place at Longview Cemetery.  

To honor Bill, those attending the services are encouraged to wear western attire (cowboy hats and boots would be great) or casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.