Ronald G. Jackson

Ron Jackson was a good man who loved his family, the outdoors, springer spaniels, westerns, country music and his garden. He had beautiful blue eyes, great hair and a wonderful sense of humor. Born in Detroit to Robert and Anna (Kmieciak) Jackson on April 27, 1938, he learned to love fishing and bird hunting with his father and carried that love his entire life. Ron enjoyed quiet moments on the water and hearing the church bells while sitting in his boat; fishing made him feel close to God. He passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family July 12, 2025. Ron worked his way through Wayne State University as a meat cutter for A & P. After graduating in 1961, he joined the Navy. He was commissioned as an Ensign and earned his wings as an aviator in September of that year. He was stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island on active duty for four years and was assigned to an anti-submarine warfare detachment deployed on the USS Wasp. After his active military service he returned to WSU, earning his teaching certificate, Master’s and Education Specialist degrees and serving in the Naval Reserve. He taught fifth grade initially and then pursued a career as a school psychologist with the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District for 23 years, retiring in 1994. He married Janet Watt in 1962 and together they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. They were blessed with a son and daughter who made him very proud of the people they became. They moved to Traverse City the day after Thanksgiving in 1971 and Ron always congratulated himself on this very wise decision. He loved it here. In retirement he enjoyed fishing, hunting, growing tomatoes, blue morning glories and green beans (although the rabbits always ate the beans), cruises and especially his grandchildren who called him “Poppy.” He had a generous spirit and gave to many charitable organizations especially those that provided support to children, education and natural resources. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James and is survived by his wife Janet, son Christopher (Peggy Chou), daughter Catherine (Dennis Jackson), and his grandchildren Madeleine and Daphne Jackson. Sisters in law Marie Jackson and Joan Stone and nieces and nephews Larry (Karen) Jackson, Vicki (John) Pilotti, Linda (Butch) Maxwell, Lisa (Edy Marx) Hanlon, Jeffrey (Lainie) Stone and Gregory (Courtney) Stone also survive. Ron was grateful to Dr. Andrew Adams and the staff of Munson Hospice for the care he received in his final days. His family cherishes the kindness shown to him and them. A memorial service for Ron will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 3:00 pm with visitation one hour prior at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home,305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan. Interment will take place in Peninsula Township Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial gift may wish to consider the Grand Traverse Regional Conservancy or Munson Hospice.

Ronald G. Jackson

April 27, 1938 - July 12, 2025