Jim Jackson

Born in Nashville, TN on July 4, 1941 Departed on October 24, 2017 and resided in Gallatin, TN Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral HomeThursday October 26, 2017 5:00pm to 8:00pmLife Celebration Service: Hendersonville Funeral HomeFriday October 27, 2017 10:00am

James (Jim) Oliver Jackson was born to Collie and Pauline Jackson on July 4, 1941, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Jerry; daughter, Johnna (Jeremy); grandson, Jake; sister, Jennetta (Richard); and his nieces and nephews.

True to his birthdate, he was always a "firecracker." Jim lived life to the fullest. He was a man who was happiest when he was on the go. He loved to fish, he loved to golf, he loved cars, and he especially loved to drive fast in those cars.

In his early adulthood, Jim was part of the Crossman, a gospel singing group that performed for a number of years throughout the Midsouth. The group made multiple records, and even after the group stopped performing, Jim was often heard singing in church, but just as often with a CD or to his family and friends.

Jim traveled frequently to the largest cities in the U.S. as he met with major advertising agencies to create print magazines and ad campaigns for Conde' Nast, Elle, Murray Mowers and many others. He was noted by both clients and those in the printing and insurance industries as being honest and professional in his work. He was a perfectionist with an eye for balance and color on the printed page, and he wanted to ensure that each of his clients received an exceptional product and service.

While he was a businessman who experienced success in both sales and in starting various companies, he took great joy in mentoring others. He gave freely of his time and expertise to help others who were starting out in business, or those who just needed a friend.

Jim was known for his love of teasing those around him in a good-natured way in hopes of eliciting a smile or a laugh. His on-going exchange of "gag" gifts with family members at Christmas parties have become legendary. He laughed easily and was always generous to a fault with those around him.

Jim was a devoted father. Two of Johnna's favorite memories are riding the Teacups with her dad at DisneyWorld and "doing donuts" in the Kmart parking lot in the snow. When Johnna was cheering for a basketball game, Jim was often seen "holding up the wall" with other dads, supporting the team. As a grandfather, Jim was an enthusiastic playmate. He and Jake went fishing, played golf, visited the local carnival, ate Chinese food, and vacationed at the beach together.

After suffering two strokes within the weeks between Thanksgiving of 2009 and New Year's Day, Jim entered into an almost 8 year period of debilitating sickness which eventually resulted in his death. Throughout his entire convalescence, he was able to remain at home due his loving wife Jerry acting as his private duty nurse. Her exceptional care, along with the assistance of Johnna, Jeremy and Jake, allowed him to stay with his family and die at home, per his wishes, after 55 years of marriage to Jerry. He was surrounded by those who loved him most even as he went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2017.

It is fitting that his service is being officiated by his friend Mack Lehigh. They were in each other's weddings, sang together, fished together, and made many memories throughout their long friendship.

A Life Celebration will be held in the Chapel of Hendersonville Funeral Home at 10am on Friday, October 27, 2017. Visitation will be held at Hendersonville Funeral Home from Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 5-8pm.

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