October 10, 2020, William C. “Bill” Jackson, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away from cancer at the age of 69 at his home in East Lansing. Bill was born August 3, 1951 in Mount Clemens, Michigan. After he graduated from Mount Clemens High School, he attended Michigan State University where he earned his degree in accounting and met the love of his life, Sharon.
Bill loved people, and would run into friends seemingly wherever he went. He was easy to talk to and a genuine person who cared about others and was always willing to help out. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandkids; and, he loved connecting with others, especially throughout his almost fifty years working in Michigan healthcare.
Bill held many positions over his career. He started in Financial Services at the Lapeer County General Hospital before taking a job at the Charlevoix Area Hospital where he spent most of his career and became the President and CEO. Most recently he had been delighted to be living again in East Lansing and working for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association as a senior Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer. He was a member of Rotary, the Michigan Association of CPAs, and former Chair of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Board of Trustees. Over his career Bill worked with many people, hospitals, and other organizations focused on improving healthcare for all Michiganders.
Bill loved all things Michigan State University. He was a proud alumnus and went to great lengths to keep up with MSU sports. It wasn’t unusual for him to plan a stop around tipoff time if he was traveling, or listen to the game on his car’s radio in the driveway. Bill was a committed supporter. He also was a lifelong Tigers fan and especially enjoyed taking in a game during spring training in Florida.
If there was one thing people could agree on that knew Bill, it was that he exhibited a joy for life. Not even a hip replacement could stop him from taking a trip down the pool slide. He loved reading, and coffee with cream. He enjoyed searching out new places to eat, and having a beer with friends. He loved getting his family together for holidays or vacations, and took joy in planning for the ones he loved. Bill was a devoted grandfather who made it to every sporting event even though he was going through chemo therapy. We will miss Bill’s jokes and stories and the laughter that accompanied them. We will miss his thoughtfulness, his guidance, his Chex mix, and his indomitable spirit. Bill will be remembered as a kind and genuine colleague, mentor and friend, beloved husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Bill is survived by his wife Sharon Jackson (Wuchte), children Dan (Lindsay) Jackson, and Andrea (Steve Viger) Jackson and grandchildren Caitlyn, Casey, Chase, Lily, Dotty, Sawyer and Silas. Preceding him in death are his parents C. Robert Jackson and Willagene (Hotchkiss) Jackson.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society, https://www.charlevoixhumane.org/support/online-donations.
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