John R. Jackson

AKWESASNE – Mr. John R. Jackson, age 73 of 365 St. Regis Road, died Saturday afternoon, March 13, 2010 at Fletcher Allen Medical Center, where he had been taken earlier from Massena Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 14, 1936 in Hogansburg, the son of John L. and Anna LaFrance Jackson.  He attended Mohawk grade school and also Bombay schools.

At age 15, John began working as an ironworker, where he worked with Local #440 in Utica, retiring in 1994.  He was a founder the “18” Racing Team of Akwesasne and helped in the pit crew for the “18” Racing Team and “18” Action Jackson.  He was an avid New York Rangers hockey fan, as well as a Yankees Baseball Fan.  He enjoyed spending time at his camp by the river.

John is survived by his five daughters, Bonnie Jackson; Lynn Thompson and her husband, Wallace; Rhonda Johnson and her husband, Harland; Jacolene Smith and her companion, Dea; Charlene Johnson and her husband, Terry, all of Akwesasne; by 20 grandchildren, including 3 special grandchildren who he helped raise, Kobi, Keaton and Khyler Johnson; 17 great grandchildren; 3 sisters and brothers-in-law,  Sarah and Theodore Mitchell of Snye; Marilyn and Mike Tarbell of Akwesasne; Elizabeth and Mitchell Sunday of Snye;  2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Linda Jackson, and Mike and Mary Ellen Jackson all of Akwesasne; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his long time companion, Constance DeLorimiere on July 30, 1990; 2 brothers,

Elwin “Jo Jo” Jackson on August 8, 1976, Emil D. Jackson on October 1, 1996; a sister, Mae Bigtree on March 30, 2001; and a chosen brother, Phillip LaFrance on October 7, 2007.

Friends may call at his home beginning Monday 4:00 PM until 1:00 PM Wednesday.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 2:00 PM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George H. Belegarde, SJ, officiating.   Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hogansburg.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American or Canadian Heart Associations.

Condolences may be made online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com