James L. Jackson, age 88, of rural Portland passed away Monday April 12, 2021 in IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born in Muncie on July 3, 1932 the son of Herschel and Helen (Pence) Jackson. He was married on April 18, 1992 to Vera Imel who survives. He was retired as a truck driver for Union City Body Company and also had been a barber. He was a Korean Conflict veteran serving in the US Air force. He was a member of American Legion Post #211 where he served on the Honor Guard, D.A.V and Westchester United Methodist Church. Jim was active in harness racing for several years.

Surviving are his wife Vera, one son Doug Jackson (wife Debbie) of Portland, three daughters Jane Newhouse (husband Bill) of Latrobe, PA., Barbara Stahley of Portland and Sandy Love of Bluffton, three step-children Gene Steveson (Rogina Prescott) of Portland, Larry Steveson of Linn Grove and Juanita Basham (Jeremy Stocker) of Portland, Seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Robert Jackson and grandson Chris Jackson.

Funeral services will be Friday April 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Darrell Borders presiding in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites by American Legion Post #211. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. At the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society.

Online condolences at www.baird-freeman.com