James A. Dr. Jackson
Dr. James A. Jackson, scientist, world traveler, amateur collector, John Wayne fanatic and proud Veteran, died on Friday, May 1, 2020 at the age of 81.
James (Jim), born in 1938 in Louisville, KY, left home to join the Air Force Reserves when he was 15. He served in 4 branches of the military before retiring from the U.S. Navy (Corpsman).
After the military, Jim attended Auburn University and worked at a hospital lab in Columbus, GA, where he met his wife Maria. Jim earned his PhD from Auburn in 1971 and took a teaching position at the University of Kentucky in the Medical Technology Department. In 1973, Jim moved his family to Elkhart, IN where he worked for Miles Laboratories. During his time with Miles, he frequently traveled to China to work with local scientists. In 1983, Jim returned to academia as Professor and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Wichita State University. He also served as BioCenter Laboratory Director at the Riordan Clinic beginning in 1988. In 2008, Jim received the Orthomolecular Doctor of the Year Award from the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine. Jim retired from WSU in 2003, and from the Riordan Clinic in 2010.
During his retirement years, Maria kept Jim busy going to estate sales around the Wichita area. Jim and Maria traveled across the country to attend reunions for the 82nd Airborne Division, of which Jim was a part. Jim was a strong supporter of the U.S. Military and our wounded Veterans. Jim and Maria spent time visiting their grandkids, which took them on adventures to Calgary, Canada, Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City and even Disney World. One of the highlights of Jim’s retirement was when he and Maria went on an Alaskan cruise.
Jim will be remembered for his sharp wit, sense of humor and tireless work in his field of science. His favorite hobby was reading. He loved the science fiction genre, but also enjoyed western novels and the Sherlock Holmes series.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Maria, sons Lee and Dan (Debbie), his adoring grandchildren Cole and Abby, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation your local VFW.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
“JJ” as we all called him will be missed by all. I remember what a handsome couple they made when he married my sister in 1966. He was a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather. He always had a witty comment to make and made everyone laugh. His wit was matched by his intelligence. He supported some of my daughter’s (Alyson) endeavors in giving to Net Ministries, when she worked in Australia as a Campus Minister with the Catholic Church and shared his knowledge of coins and airplanes with my son Anders. Anders always looked forward to a trip to see Uncle JJ because he knew they would be sitting together at the dining table looking at coins. Rest in Peace, dear brother in law and uncle.
Rest James, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you for your service to this nation.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I never knew my cousin Sonny well as he was up and gone into the military when I was a baby. I did meet him and his wife at our Grandma Newby’s funeral in 1975. He impressed me as a very intelligent and congenial man. I hope his family flourishes in Life.