Robert W. Jackson

JACKSON, Mr. Robert W. Portage Passed away Sunday, January 7, 2007, at his home in Portage, MI. Robert was born September 10, 1918, in Olivet, MI, a son of Will and Elizabeth Brownson Jackson. He graduated from Olivet College in 1940 with a Bachelors of Science degree and began working as a research chemist for the Michigan Chemical Company in St. Louis, MI. In 1949, he moved his family to Kalamazoo and began working for the Upjohn Company and retired in 1980. Robert was a member of the First Congregational Church since 1952. He was a charter and life-long member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a member of Scientific Anglers, and the Kalamazoo Photo Images Club. Robert remained an active participant in First Friday lunches and supported the Boy Scouts of America. He was a loving husband and devoted family man, an avid fisherman, and a dedicated conservationist. He was also a consummate gardener and was known in the community for his unique hybrid Irises. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. On January 9, 1943, he was united in marriage with the former Margaret Raycraft of Alma, MI, who survives. Also surviving are: a son, Richard T. Val Jackson of Mattawan; a daughter, Kathryn E. Jeffery Russell of Portage; nine grandchildren, Liberty Steve Montano, Elisabbath Chad Davies, Spc. Koul Jackson, Megan David Comer, Ethan Jackson, Lacey Jackson, Marcus Jackson, Breanna Benavidez and Robert Benavidez; three great-grandchildren, Takenya Bolton-Montano, Samuel Montano and Autumn Davies; and several nieces and nephews. Private interment services will be held later. A memorial service will be held 11:00 Saturday morning, January 20, 2007, at First Congregational Church, 129 S. Park St., with the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Weier, officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. The Jackson family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 301 W. Cedar St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007; Trout Unlimited, c/o Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 S. Rose St., Suite 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, or to First Congregational Church, 129 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.