Eleanor G Jackson

Eleanor G Jackson (nee Bauman) age 100 passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Beloved wife of the late James Jackson. Loving mother of James Jackson II (deceased) (Karen), Lynne Buchholz (Norman Lewicki), Julie McMasters (Jack) and Lori Allen (Bob). Cherished grandmother of Michael McMasters (Ashley), Alissa McMasters, Matthew Allen, Jackie Long (Richard), Diane Phelps (Michael), and great grandmother of Anna, Ellie (deceased), John, Emma, and William. Dear sister of Donald Bauman (Sue) and the late Bobby Bauman.

Eleanor was born to Eugene and Ruth Bauman in Columbus, Ohio on February 19, 1925. Growing up in Columbus, Eleanor attended West High School. When she graduated, she was awarded a four-year scholarship to Hiram College. Eleanor chose the path of home and family, and married James (Jim) Jackson in 1943.

During her senior year of high school, Eleanor started a job re-spoking wheels in a bike shop. That job had previously belonged to Jim, and he met Eleanor when he would stop in to visit his old co-workers. Jim began walking Eleanor home from work, and those walks turned into a marriage of nearly thirty years. They welcomed four children, and their family tree now includes five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In 1957, the family moved to Parma Heights, to the house Eleanor lived in for the next sixty-five years. After the kids grew up, Eleanor worked at The May Company and Halle’s. After Jim passed, she worked for the Parma Heights Chamber of Commerce. She stayed active in the PTA, and she met the Valley Forge High School principal who got her a job monitoring the halls of the school. After passing her civil service test, she began to work as the secretary to the unit principal, Jack Roberts, who became a close, life-long friend. Together they founded the “Faculty Follies,” a staff variety show that would raise money for various causes. This program grew, and she began writing shows for the PTA and Tri-C. She also remained active in many other organizations including, in part, president of the PTA, board president of the Cassidy Theater, the Tri-C elders project board, and church deacons. She enjoyed many hobbies, including Scrabble club and ceramics club, for many years.

In addition to her involvement in community organizations, Eleanor held an Amateur Radio License that allowed her to talk to people all over the world. Her call sign was K8BJZ, which was also her license plate (on a few red sports cars) for many years.

Eleanor was an accomplished poet, and shared her poems with many, including her participation with the Rocky River Poetry Society. She valued the deep meaning of the written word. There would always be a poem tucked in the letters she wrote. She was an avid reader and kept a list of all the books she read.

Anyone who knew Eleanor knew her special gift was relationships. She valued meaningful conversations. She enjoyed her regular phone calls with her “kid brother,” Don, reflecting on life and the Buckeyes. She loved her family Christmas celebrations, with her tree and Christmas village lit up, family all around. She would remember the last thing you talked about, and she loved a good joke. She was light-hearted and funny, and before you knew it, she would burst out in song. She never ran out of things to talk about. She is famous for often saying, “To make a long story even longer…”

Eleanor cherished her time with her family- backyard BBQs, summer concerts in the park, and a trip to Disney. She introduced her grandchildren to classic movies and took them to their first musicals. Each member of her family had a uniquely special relationship with her, and her love for them was undeniable.

Eleanor loved time along the lake in Marblehead, picnics in the Metroparks, and lighthouses. She had a wide taste in music- big band, Irish, country and rock- Bruce Springsteen, of course. A devoted sports fan, Eleanor would tirelessly root for the Buckeyes, Browns, Cavs and Guardians. She loved the OSU Marching Band and always knew the date for baseball’s spring training start.

In 2021, Eleanor moved to Generations Senior Living in Strongsville, where she continued to build meaningful friendships and was an ambassador for new residents. At Generations, she continued her life-long love of games and crossword puzzles.

Eleanor’s personality was effervescent. Her life was extraordinary in so many ways- her longevity, her positive attitude, her quest for knowledge, and her desire to be present. Eleanor leaves a lasting legacy. When reflecting on her life, Eleanor said, “Without Jesus in my life, I could not have done it all.”

Eleanor touched the lives of so many, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Eleanor was a lover of animals and made a wonderful home for many cats over the years. In lieu of flowers, Eleanor’s family requests donations be made to: Berea Animal Rescue Friends ARF, 10015 East River Road, Columbia Township , OH 44028 www.bereaanimalrescue.com/donate

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday July 24, 2025 in the Gathering Center from 1 - 3 PM with a closing service at 3:00 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71).

THE GATHERING CENTER IS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME.