Robert M. Jackson

Robert M. "Bob" Jackson, 89, of Mountainside, NJ passed away on Wednesday February 8, 2023, due to heart complications. He died in the comfort of his home. Being a country boy, Bob was never one to complain because he saw no point in it. He was delighted that he lived to his 90th year. He appreciated the fact that he was fortunate to have lived a healthy life and comforted by the presence of his children.

Bob Jackson or "Jack Bobson" as he occasionally presented himself lived a full and active life. He attended the Jackson Academy, a one-room school house under the tutelage of his aunt, in Prairie Point, Mississippi. After completing this fine institution he attended Macon High in Macon, Mississippi where he graduated in 1951. Bob attended junior college and then transferred to Mississippi State University where he majored in Agricultural Economics.

In addition to the "traditional" skills and abilities acquired in the course of his academic education Bob developed other competencies that he would share to the delight of others' over the course of his life. He loved music and was a founding member of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. His personal musical talents were expressed by his ability to play hambone, the harmonica, spoons, and on occasion he would yodel for his closest acquaintances. He was a member of the Echo Lake Country Club where he won the Left-Handers Golf Tournament trophy three times. Bob was also a gourmet. He was a member in good standing of the Les Marmitons New Jersey Local Chapter. Les Marmitons is a gastronomic and social club of gentlemen who share a common interest in food, wine, and the culinary arts.

Needless to say, others were drawn to Bob Jackson. People liked Bob and considered him a friend. He was adroit at generating goodwill in interpersonal relations. Bob's career took off immediately after graduating from State. He was hired by the Anderson Clayton Corporation to work on the cotton desk in Houston, Texas. Here he acquired skills as a futures commodity trader. Bob had a natural talent in trading. He was briefly transferred to Memphis, and then sent to work in the New York Office to run their coffee business.

Bob married the love of his life Janet in 1964. They made their home in Westfield New Jersey for over fifty years. Bob and Janet turned their passion for antiquing into a successful business, Jackson House Antiques. This enabled them to continue to broaden their interests, friends and life experience. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Janet O. Jackson.

Bob was the middle child in his family of origin. His older brother, William T. Jackson, was a hero and killed in action in the Korean war. Bob is survived by his sister Martha J., and her husband Windham Abrams; and their two daughters Wendy Studner and Cindy Hubert. Bob is also survived by his cousin and lifelong friend Randy Jackson.

Bob and Janet's three children; Jamie and his wife Lori Jackson, Jennifer and her husband Patrick Vance, and Jill Jackson mourn the loss of their beloved father. He has ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Bob's burial service was held on Friday February 17, 2023 in the Revolutionary Cemetery, Westfield, NJ. Arrangements were by Gray Funeral Directors of Westfield, NJ.

Our family is together and trying to comfort each other. We don't need a thing. But, if anybody has any fond memories or stories to share, we would love to read them. Please go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.