Russell Arthur Jackson

Russ grew up in S. Williamsport and loved everything about life in PA – changes of the seasons, close-knit community, and all things sports, college and pro, but especially baseball. He was an avid ball player and fan. He played competitively for years and tried out for a couple of MLB teams. He travelled the surrounding area extensively to see “his” teams play – professional, as well as semi-pro games and the Little League World Series, closer to home.

After high school, Russ entered the Army and also served in the Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1964. By trade, he worked as a steel worker, retiring from Bethlehem Steel, he worked part-time as a bartender and was trained as a barber.

In his free time, he would be outside, playing ball or teaching his beloved son, Jason, how to play. Russ and his son, were two peas in a pod and Jason was the light of Russ’ eye – teaching and watching him play baseball, football, basketball, darts and how to shoot pool. Russ was a quiet and gentle man and he kept things to himself but shared his love of sports and memories of trips they took together. Since many of them were bar leagues, many stories start, “After the game, we went to the bar…”, and of course somewhere in there was “…and ordered wings and a grouper sandwich”.

Everyone knew Russ; he walked everywhere and traversed miles in the area. Just over seven years ago, he moved to Tampa to be closer to Jason. The weather was much better for his health, and he graduated from walking to riding a three-wheel bike, since it is so much hotter in the south, but everyone recognized him in Tampa too. Many times, Jason was greeted with, “I saw your dad on his bike…” Russ was well liked by everyone he met and leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

Russ is survived by his son, Jason (Donna) Jackson of Lutz, FL; his brother Charles (Bernadette) Jackson of Collegeville, PA; his sister-in-law Alice Jackson of Williamsport, PA, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Jackson and Margaret J. Engle, sister Marian Jackson-Daddio, and brother, Raymond R. Jackson.

“Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.” St. Augustine

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society. Checks may be made payable to SVDP and dropped off or mailed to St. Timothy Catholic Church 17512 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558

Interment is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 9:30 AM, at Wildwood Cemetery in Williamsport, PA. Reception to follow at the Zafar Grotto, 381 E 2nd Ave., South Williamsport. All are welcome.