Elwood F. "Mike" Jackson

Elwood F. “Mike” Jackson, 95 of Alexandria, IN formerly of Fort Smith passed away Saturday, September 29, 2012 in Alexandria, IN. He was born May 1, 1917 in Fort Smith to the late Elsbury Jackson and Anna (Beach) Jackson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Ella Lea (Whitlock) Jackson in April 2001 and five siblings.

He was proud of his service to his country in the United States Navy as Seaman First Class during World War II. Mike was on the USS McNair 679 Destroyer, which acted as a diversion from enemy attack. The McNair went into the China Sea, around the south side of Japan, and into the Aleutian Islands. At one point, the USS McNair was part of an escort fleet that was protecting the new aircraft carrier, Saratoga. The USS McNair left the escort fleet for radar repairs; and during that time a Japanese kamikaze dove into the replacement ship, which was sunk by the attack. During this battle, the Saratoga was heavily damaged. The remaining escort ships took excess fuel from the Saratoga and these ships were reassigned, while the Saratoga was towed back for repairs. At another point, while docked three days at the Aleutian base, Mike learned that his nephew was on the tanker Ramapo, alongside the USS McNair. He received authorization to board a whaleboat and visited his nephew, Walt Powell, on the Ramapo. The USS McNair left and followed the minesweepers that cut loose mines which would float to the top. The mines were shot with rifles and 40-millimeter guns. Mike returned to Pearl Harbor for the end-of-war celebration, then back to Hunters Point at San Francisco. The Golden Gate was a welcome sight.

Mike retired from Delco Remy, General Motors formerly of Anderson, Indiana in June 1981, after 38 years. Because of work at Delco Remy before the Navy, seniority continued and Mike was able to return to Alexandria and Delco Remy.

Mike loved his family and was always there for them at a moment’s notice. He had a quick wit and loved to relate stories of his service in the U.S. Navy

Graveside services with military honors will be 1:00 PM Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Pavilion. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith.

He is survived by his children Doylene J. (David J.) Carroll of Fishers, IN and Sharon K. (Larry J.) Hobbs of Alexandria, IN; grandchildren: Micheal D. (Hedieh) Steele of Saratoga, CA, John W. Steele of Alexandria, IN, Christopher A. Carroll of Indianapolis, IN, Jeffrey S. (Denyse) Carroll of Manassas, VA, his great grandchildren: Kiana Ella and Kayla Zoe Steele both of Saratoga, CA and Emma Lea Carroll of Manassas, VA as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org .