James Leonidas Jackson

James Leonidas Jackson, 86, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2015 in Wichita, KS. Jim was born August 17, 1929 in Beaumont, TX to Amanda (McClurkin) and John Curtis Jackson. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1947 and from Rice University in 1952 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Jim began his career as a chemical engineer with Celanese Chemical in Pampa, TX. He met Martha Ann Montgomery in a Sunday school class there and they were married in Shamrock, TX in July 3, 1960. In 1973, Jim and Martha moved to Parkersburg, WV where they lived for the next forty years. Jim retired from GE Plastics in 1991 and they relocated to Wichita, KS in 2013. Jim was as gentle as he was tall, and he approached life on an even keel. He and Martha complemented each other perfectly, with his engineers practicality and quiet strength augmenting her energy and enthusiasm. They were married for 53 years and he was utterly devoted to her. During the last two years of Marthas otherwise healthy life, Jim set an exceptional and beautiful example of dedication in his care of her. Jim was a loving and attentive father and role model for his children and grandchildren. Son and daughter, Jim and Jean Ann, could always count on him to be there for help with math homework, late notice science projects, campouts and carpools, etc. He provided guidance and encouragement at every turn and cheerfully endured more than his share of piano recitals and marching band competitions. Jim was handy around the house and more than meticulous with his record keeping. He enjoyed playing bridge with friends and he was a good player, having learned to play as a child with his siblings. Jim had a musical ear and appreciated attending concerts and musical events. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, WV, where he sang in the choir. Jim served with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly and on the board of the Henry Logan Childrens Home. He also relished finishing a challenging crossword puzzle. Jim is survived by a son, James M. Jackson (Ann) of Houston, TX; daughter, Jean Ann Ebright (Charlie) of Wichita, KS; two grandchildren, Jack Ebright and Lily Ebright of Wichita, KS; sister, Mary Louise McColpin-Popp; brother, Joe Jackson; nieces and nephews and many friends. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; parents; stepmother, Elizabeth Simmons, and brother, John Jackson. Memorial services will be held at Reflection Ridge Retirement Community on Wednesday Oct. 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. and in Shamrock, TX on November 14, 2015. Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, KS. (www.hynesmemorial.org). Downing Lahey Mortuary West.