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(Michael) Mickey Jackson
In Memory of
(Michael) Mickey
Jackson
1939 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Pettett Funeral Home
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Obituary for (Michael) Mickey Jackson

(Michael) Mickey  Jackson
Mickey Jackson died peacefully at home in Murphysboro, on July 15, 2018, age 79.

Michael Robert Jackson was born July 7, 1939 in Kewanee, Illinois to Mary and Norman Jackson. Mickey enjoyed a wonderful childhood and made friends that lasted his lifetime.

He began his undergraduate work at Western Illinois University and transferred in his sophomore year to the University of Tampa. After graduation, he enrolled at Illinois State University to earn his teaching credentials. His first teaching position was at Macintosh Middle School in Sarasota, Florida. Thus began a decades-long career that was enhanced by his enjoyment in knowing his students.

He met Evelyn Weichert on a blind date in 1964 and they were married in August 1965. They later moved to Baltimore where Mick taught at Milford Mill High School, coached tennis and debate, and earned a masters degree from Towson State College. Mickey earned his doctorate from the University of Florida and accepted a faculty position at SIU in the College of Education in 1971

Mickey loved regaling his students, friends and family with stories, being regaled with stories, and using the word regaled. He enjoyed college sports, quality time with his family, Jeopardy, and cottage cheese (not necessarily in that order). Later in life, Mick dealt with illnesses that sapped him of his strength and vitality. However, we choose to remember the Mickey who climbed up on a scaffold and painted his four-square house three times over the years, hoisted a washing machine up a flight of stairs by himself, made a set of bookshelves for his daughter's first home, and helped build a huge deck at his home.

We were blessed to have had the love of a man with a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and a curious, agile mind.

Mickey is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn; his daughter Kerri, son-in-law Brian and granddaughter Annabelle of Bloomington, Illinois; and his son Andy, daughter-in-law Mira, and grandchildren Theo and Simone of Peaks Island, Maine.

Memorials may be sent to the United Methodist Church of Murphysboro or Hospice of Southern Illinois. A brunch for friends and family to celebrate his life will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at the Jackson County Country Club in Murphysboro.
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