Margaret "Peggy" Jackson

Margaret “Peggy” Saunders Jackson ,72, passed away on October 6, 2017 at St. Vincents ER-Southside, Jacksonville, FL after being rushed from Life Care Center. Her loving husband of 50 years was at her bedside. Peggy had vigorously fought years of medical challenges with a philosophy of “fix it and let me go home,” my husband will deal with the details. Peggy was born on November 30, 1944 in Jacksonville, FL and adopted as a baby by Joseph R. Saunders, Jr. and Evelyn Dockery Saunders who loved her from the deepest depths of their hearts.

She grew up in the Lakewood area of Jacksonville and graduated from Alfred I. DuPont High School in 1962. She began work in an office pool for an insurance company before being hired as one of two secretaries for the 1,000 plus membership of the Jacksonville Jaycees where she met her future husband. Peggy eventually began working for small construction companies as an office manager and was not ruffled by the “rough talk” of the men who came to accept her as one of them.

Before working with the construction hard hats, she gave birth to Jennifer Mae her daughter and only child. Peggy was a stay at home mama for six years before reentering the workforce.

She was a devoted and loving mother that intensified every moment to day she passed. Peggy taught her to love books, how to color within the lines, and putting a little apron her standing on a small chair next to the stove how to cook, and how to laugh and love people. She supported and participated in every activity Jennifer was involved including being a cheerful homeroom mother after being “volunteered” by her daughter.

Peggy was a wonderful and loving wife devoted to her husband, Jim, in spite of them being opposites in so many ways – music, books, movies, TV programs to name a few. She was not a joiner, but actively supported him in every endeavor he undertook – Morocco Temple Shrine, Arlington Shrine Club, Jaycees, Florida Army National Guard, and even local political campaigns all of which brought her recognition and commendations. However, all of this came with a price!!!! She loved jewelry and lots of it – rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces, earrings, broaches, pins – and it better not be costume pieces. Peggy possessed a phenomenal memory for faces, names, and facts which became a valuable asset for Jim at various gatherings of people. She was a prolific reader of mysteries, humor, and a few “steamy” books. Peggy loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas. An avid Gator fan. She became a talented cook reaching a level of culinary excellence. Occasionally she emulated Julia Childs use of Sherry – one glass for the entrée, two glasses for the cook! She was a terrible driver. When Jim could no longer legally drive because of vision issues, she became the sole driver. As fate would have it, Peggy became dependent on a walker which meant a scary bond developed. Because Jim could not see and Peggy could not walk in order to use the car, they had to drive together with her screaming do not tell me how to drive. She was loving, funny, spirited, delightful, hard headed, outspoken, sassy, upbeat, witty, and cheerful. She loved people and they loved her.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jody Saunders. She is survived by husband, James C. Jackson; daughter, Jennifer J. Shipley (Peter) of Gainesville, FL, mother- in-law, Martha H. Jackson, sister-in-law, Jacqueline J. Fetterman (Robert) of Wilmington, NC, and her beloved 17 year old cat, Maggie. Sincere gratitude for years of care and support from goddaughter and her husband, Stephanie and Tracy Tatum, and neighbor, Louis Saffos,

and Drs. David Hassell, Fidel Garcia, Vikram Gopal, Richardo Silva, Craig Shapiro, Mohammad Asif Khan, Erin Moore, William J. Namen, and the downtown Baptist nurses and staff, and the staff of Life Care Center on Lenior Avenue.