Charles Robert “Bob” Jackson age 89, of Marion a teacher, coach, artist and historian, passed away at 8:47 am on Friday, December 20, 2024, at his home with his family on the same small farm where he grew up.
Bob was born in Williamson County on April 14th, 1935, the son of Guy and Birdie Cowsert Jackson. He married Phyllis Sue Kobler on August 20, 1960. They were married for 58 years until her death on May 30, 2019.
He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Ellen, son, Deron (Jonty) and grandson Ezekiel; his sister-in-law Beverly Milner (Burkett); nephews Jim Jackson (Arlene); Brent Milner (Mimi), Dale Ratermann, nieces Deborah Houy, Jacqueline Nielson (Roger); Martina Ragain (Scott). Great nieces and nephews Nick Houy, Emily Kincaid, Scott Hunt, Eric Nielson, Carolyn and Danielle Jackson, Luke, Ben, and Nathan Ragain, Beck, Piper, and Scout Milner. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Birdie, his brother Lowell, and sister Ruth Jackson Ratermann.
Bob was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where he devoted many years of service as a teacher, committee member, and artist. His professional career began as a grade school teacher and coach in Benton, but he spent most of his years teaching art at Marion Junior High. Additionally, he coached girls junior high and high school basketball as well as high school softball. In 1987-88 Bob was a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year before retiring in 1991.
Bob began as a student in the one room Cross Roads grade school, continued at Marion High School, and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1956. He was a life member of the National Education Association, the Williamson County Farm Bureau, President of the Williamson County Historical Society, and Vice Chairman of the Goddard Chapel Restoration Committee. Bob helped establish the Little Egypt Arts Association and was one of the founders of the Little Egypt Baseball Association. The league named one of its playing fields in his honor located on the grounds of the one room school where he grew up. He was President of the Cross Roads Community Center Association and attended 77 of their Homecoming celebrations without missing a year. He shared the experience of one room school education through 20 years of service at Purdy School at John A. Logan College. He taught art classes for 17 years at the Marion Senior Citizens Center through John A. Logan. In retirement, he illustrated 13 books.
Bob was a 9 year veteran of the Illinois National Guard reaching the rank of Platoon Sergeant. He was an accomplished fast pitch softball player for many years and spent his entire life following his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
Funeral services to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Marion Aldersgate Church with Rev. Jim Slone officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Thursday, December 26, at the Church. The Binkley-Ross Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with final arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or Williamson County Historical Society.