Thomas Levi "TJ" Jackson, 73, of Higginsville, Missouri, passed away on June 20, 2017, at his home.
Tom was born on July 15, 1943, in Glasgow, Missouri, to Opal and Veda (Kelso) Jackson. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Himmelberg, on May 22, 1965 and to this Union they were blessed with a daughter and a son.
Tom graduated from Glasgow High School in 1961 and was employed bv the US Army Corps of Engineers. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served on the submarine USS Chivo SS-341 as an Electrician's Mate until 1968. Tom treasured the days of serving his country and was a current member of the USS Chivo SS-341 veteran’s organization. He often shared stories of his service and world travels with friends and family and loved to swap stories with his shipmates of their adventures aboard the submarine.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, he began work as an electrician and master carpenter in Higginsville, where he lived the rest of his life. Tom retired from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in July, 2005.
He was a past member of the Higginsville Javcees, the Higginsville American Legion Post 223, and a current member of the Classic Chevy Club.
He had an admiration for antique Chevy cars and trucks and loved to rebuild them from the frame up. He attended many car shows and parades, and even traveled to New York to pick up his current car, a '55 Chevrolet convertible, which he completely restored. His past projects included a '55 Chevy Hardtop, a '57 Chevy pickup, a fire truck and several others for friends and relatives.
Tom loved the great outdoors and passed his love of fishing and hunting to his children and grandchildren.
Those who remain to remember his love are:
Wife of 52 years: Helen (Himmelberg) Jackson of the home
Daughter: Kim Lewis and husband David of Higginsville
Son: J.T. Jackson and wife Paulette of Blue Springs
Brothers: Raymond Jackson and wife Marcia of Chillicothe, Missouri
Earl Jackson and wife Joann of Hartford, California
6 Grandchildren: Malerie Neff and husband Nathan of Memphis, Tennessee
Hillary Moore of Knoxville, Illinois
Timothy Lewis and Emilv Lewis of Higginsville
Caleb Jackson and Titus Jackson of Blue Springs, Missouri
He was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Veda Jackson; his sister, Lillian Jackson Browning; and nephew, Jeff Browning. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 25th from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Kaiser ~Wiegers Funeral Home, Higginsville
Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 26th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Higginsville, officiated by Fr. Greg Haskamp.
Honorary casket bearers will be Ron Hoeflicker, Bill Meyer, David Bray, Fred Moss, Larry Baker, Reed Opfer, Steve Twigg.
His ashes will be entombed at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville with a military honor guard.
Memorials are suggested to:
Wayside Waifs 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 or
Kindred Hospice 4911 S Arrowhead Dr, Suite 310, Independence, MO 64055
Condolences may be emailed to the family at: Kaiser-Wiegers@ctcis.net
Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home
