Edmund Francis Jackson
(Died July 21, 2010)
Edmund Francis Jackson, 86, of Tipp City, died Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at his home with family by his side. Mr. Jackson was born June 4, 1924 to Raymond and Frances Malone Jackson of Tipp City. The three things Ed Jackson loved most were his family, his church, and his country. He devoted his life to serving all three with energy, love, and humor. Jackson served as a waist-gunner in B-24s during World War II. After flying his first combat mission on D-Day, June 6, 1944, Staff Sergeant Jackson was wounded twice and was shot down over Yugoslavia on Aug. 7, 1944. He was forced to parachute into enemy territory where he was rescued by the Yugoslavian underground and spent 33 days escaping and evading the Nazis before being rescued. For his service and sacrifice, Edmund Jackson earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, and other awards and decorations. Upon his return to a stateside convalescent hospital, he met and married the love of his life, Winifred Hamblin. Returning home to Tipp City after the war, Mr. Jackson served as a Civil Service employee at Wright Patterson Air Force Base until his retirement in 1974. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City and the Knights of Columbus. His beloved Winnie preceded him in death in 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Loren, Robert, Vincent, Thomas, and Bettie Staup. He is survived by five children and their spouses: Mike (Karen) Jackson of Tipp City; Steve (Deb) Jackson of Troy; Chuck (Linda) Jackson of Tipp City; Donald (Billie) Jackson of Tipp City; and Debbie (Mike) Becher of Vandalia. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind a wealth of friends, family, and people whose lives he made richer with his kindness. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5 to 8 P.M. on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Monday, July 26th at 10:30 A.M., with burial to follow in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Tipp City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Miami County. Arrangements are being handled by Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home of Tipp City.
