John Jackson

JOHN JACKSON

Temple Terrace, Fla.

John A. Jackson, 72, of Temple Terrace, Fla., went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

He was born March 16, 1944, in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of Margaret and Mearle Jackson. After 34 years with the University of South Florida, John retired as IT director. He and Karen enjoyed traveling and camping. John also enjoyed working in their yard, tinkering in his shop and NASCAR. John started his racing hobby with street racing and later raced off-road buggies, finishing his racing career with outlaw modifieds. He never met a stranger and always valued others, putting their needs before his own. John started his life growing up on a farm driving tractors, and after his retirement, his life came full circle back to his love of driving his tractor.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Mearle Jackson; and his grandson, Jeremy Jackson.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Karen K. Jackson; daughter, Teresa (Tom) Fields of Parrish, Fla.; son, Barry (Tracey) Jackson of Tampa, Fla.; brother, Larry (Deb) Jackson of Mesa, Ariz.; sisters, Janet (Brad) Petersen of North Liberty, Iowa, and Donna (Shawn) Spooner of Robins, Iowa; grandchildren, Kortnee (David) VanValkenburgh, Zachary Jackson, Kaycee Holley and Matthew Jackson, and great-grandchildren, Hailee and Gavin VanValkenburgh, all of Tampa; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and numerous close friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, Temple Terrace, Fla. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Temple Terrace, followed by interment in Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial in John's name. If you wish to contribute, please make checks payable to John A. Jackson. Words of comfort may be expressed at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com.