David "Joe" Joseph Jackson

David “Joe” Joseph Jackson, 76, of Reading, PA, entered well-deserved eternal rest on February 10, 2024, after a long, brave, and valiant fight with illness. David was born on August 14, 1947, to Willis Pete and Anna Jane (Pratt) Jackson in Reading, PA. As a Vietnam War Veteran and hero, David was revered and affectionately known as Joe, Dave, or Joe Jack. David served his country in 1968 through 1972. During the Vietnam war, David was an Army Combat Engineer and later served as CO in the 168 Engineer Combat Battalion. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal and two Oversees Services Bars. David was a member of the American Legion George Washington Carver Post 962 in Reading, PA. David’s heroism did not end with his military service, on January 23rd, 1975, David selflessly risked his own life to save others during a tragic home fire on the 400 block of Minor Street, a few doors down from the Jackson family home. Despite the home being engulfed in flames, David Jackson, Reading police and firefighters were able to save five children. The tragedy made national headlines and David was recognized by the City of Reading and former mayor Eugene Shirk for his heroic efforts.

David began working at Continental Can Company immediately after graduating high school until he was drafted into the United States Army. After returning from Service, David returned to Continental Can Company until the plant’s closure in 1991. After which, he worked at Garden State Tanning and Interstate Container. While working at Interstate Container he was elected Union Shop Steward.

David attended Southern Junior High from 1960 -1963 and was a graduate of Reading Senior High school class of 1966. He was an exceptional and gifted athlete from his youth beginning at Reading Iron Playground. He lettered in Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track. During high school, earned a gold medal at the Penn Relays. In his late teens, David played legion baseball with Pulaski Post 929. He also played football for The Reading Keystones semi-professional football team. David also had a love and talent for boxing. He springboarded from training at the Police Athletic League to working with professional boxers Paulie Jackson and Frank-ie “The Legend” Rapino. In the 1980’s, David played baseball for the legendary Ironmen Athletic Association. David’s avid love of sports continued throughout his life. His beloved teams were The Phillies, The Philadelphia Eagles, and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

David is survived by his loving family, brothers Willis Jackson Jr. (Evelyn) of North Carolina, Barry J. Jackson (Charlene Y.) and sister Barbara Ann Jackson, of Reading as well as nieces and nephews, Richard L. Williams, Kimberly A. Fredericks, Yvette Howard, Juche Jackson (Tsehay), Tia Jackson, and Kierstan N. Williams. As well as a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and his godson Devin Edwards.

David loved his friends and requested special acknowledgement be given to his friends from the “Southside” and wanted them to remember “The good old days at Reading Iron.”

The Jackson Family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers. The family is asking for privacy until the funeral service date.

A viewing for David will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Theo C. Auman Inc., 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Homegoing services will promptly commence in the funeral home at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Steven McCracken officiating. The service will be live streamed via the funeral home's Facebook page to allow friends and family near and far to join in commemorating David's life. The livestream can be accessed through https://www.facebook.com/TheoCAuman. Graveside committal with military honors will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606.

Charitable donations can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, VA Medical Center, c/o Voluntary Service (135), Canandaigua, NY 14424 in memory of David Joseph Jackson.