Bob was born on November 10, 1932, in St. Louis, MO, to William Thomas Jackson and Nina (Slimpert) Verbarg. Bob is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane (Kermicle) Jackson whom he married on December 5, 1959, in Dundas, IL. He is also survived by one son Jeff (Deanna) Jackson of Washington, IL, and one daughter, Deb (Paul) Heidewald of Holmen, WI; two granddaughters Dr. Kristen (Tim) Christensen of Northfield, MN; and Brooke (Logan - fiancé) Heidewald of Chicago, IL; two great grandsons, Oliver and Cooper; and one brother Joe (Vicki) Jackson of Metropolis, IL. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers, one of which was a fraternal twin who passed as a toddler.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and his law degree from the University of Illinois. He put himself through college working multiple jobs to cover the expense as he obtained his degrees. He also served in the Army. He was a well-respected attorney and retired in his early 70s after a successful career. He was a partner at Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll and Keller. He served on various boards, including South Side Mission.
Bob loved his family and spending time with them. He had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed family events and gatherings. Golf was a life-long passion and he played weekly well into his 80s. He was a long-time member of Arrowhead Country Club. His pursuit of the perfect driver and putter never wavered. Other interests included his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, photography, exercise and reading.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Robert Collins will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services on Friday.
Entombment will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Snyder Village, First Baptist Church of Peoria (Lake Street) or Vitas Healthcare Hospice.
The family wants to extend a special thanks for the wonderful care provided by the amazing staff at Snyder Village and Vitas Healthcare Hospice. They cared for Dad with kindness, love and the best medical care.
You may view Bob’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com
