Richard H. “Jake” Jackson, age 94, of Greenville, passed away Sunday evening, August 22, 2021 in St. Paul's Senior Living Community.
He was born in Pittsburgh on September 26, 1926 to Edgar H. and May (Hayes) Jackson. He was a 1944 graduate of Apollo High School, served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946 and was a 1950 graduate of Thiel College. In his younger years, he participated in many sports, football, baseball, softball, golf, volleyball, bowling, skiing and swimming.
Jake was first employed as a school teacher at Sharpsville High School for five years, then Greenville High School for a year, later worked at Damascus Tube Corp, then owned and operated Green Penn Oil in Greenville. In 1975, he began working in the Human Services Department of Greenville Hospital. He felt privileged to work with many fine people as they fought alcohol and drug addiction. Retiring in 1989, Jake worked for a year as the assistant to the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Greenville. In 1990 he began as an instructor in the Mercer County Class for DUI offenders, completing fifteen years in 2005. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Deacon. In addition, he was a member of F&AM Eureka Lodge #290. He wrote a weekly column in the Record Argus called “Playing the Back Nine”. The column was about dealing with old age and was published for twenty years. He took a lot of kidding for calling older folks “Geezers”.
On January 24, 1948 he married the former June Cunningham, she passed away on December 16, 2019. Jake and his wife were proud of the accomplishments of their children and their only grandson. He is survived by his son; Jeffrey H. Jackson and his wife Sue of Greenville and a grandson; Christopher M. Jackson. In addition to his wife he is preceded in death by his daughter; Judith Durniok.
Per Jake's wishes, cremation was chosen and there will be no services. Inurnment will be in Shenango Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Senior Living Community, 339 E. Jamestown Rd., Greenville, PA 16125. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Jeff, My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your father. He and I had many good times during our years playing softball together. May he rest in peace among the angels in heaven.
My condolences to the family. I remember Jake when he owned Green Penn. My mom Ruthann use to work for him. He was such a nice man.
My husband met Jake on April 10th 1986. Why do we remember this date? It is the date my husband entered group and met Jake and owned to his alcohol addiction. I met Jake about 2 weeks later. I was 5 months pregnant with my first child at the time. To Jake’s family , your dad was instrumental in my husband’s recovery. He guided both of us through very rough times. Your dad helped me with a very hard decision I had to make as a mother with a young baby. I was scared at the time but I trusted your dad so much that I followed his guidance concerning a life changing decision. He was right. I am forever in his debt for the life my husband and I were given thanks to his guidance and wisdom. Be so proud of his legacy. He was a wonderful counselor. My husband and I celebrate his sobriety every April 10th with a anniversary cake. We owe all of these anniversaries to your dad and he will be remembered and thanked for each one.
Jake and June were dear friends of our parents, Howard and Carole Foust. Over the years they shared many delightful times together, and were there for each other when the times were not so good. Please know you are in our prayers. With great appreciation, Ken and Barb Foust
Jackson Family,
I was fortunate to have known Jake and considered him a friend who was an empathetic and compassionate listener. My heartfelt condolences and prayers for you as I know it leaves a void in your lives. May he rest in peace.
We remember both Jake and June with such fondness. They were great friends of my mom and dad, Howard and Carole Foust. It was always a good time whenever the Jacksons were there! May God bless the Jackson family.
Jeff,
My sincere condolences. Your dad was a great guy.
Jake Jackson was truly a fine man. Considerate, kind and always a gentleman. My husband and I knew Jake and June for many years through our church affiliation. We never met their children but heard them bring spoken of with great affection. I know Jake was an effective counselor in his later years helping many find peace and healing. Good bless his family…he will most assuredly be greatly missed.