James M. Jackson, Command Sergeant Major (ret.), 64, of Gloucester Point, passed away on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 in Hampton, Va.

He was born on Jan. 24, 1951 in Oil City, Pa., to the late Frank and Doris Jackson. He was a remarkable leader, a valiant soldier and warrior throughout his life and in his final battle against cancer.

Jim grew up in Wattsburg, Pa. He graduated from Wattsburg High School in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army in 1970, retiring in 1992. Jim had a distinguished career, earning two  Bronze Star Medals, Army  Commendation  Medal with Valor  Device, Legion  of  Merit,  as  well  as  other numerous  awards  and  achievements. He was a veteran of both Vietnam and Desert Storm. His overseas tours of duty included: Vietnam, Thailand, Honduras, Iraq and three tours to Germany.

Jim started his second career as an auditor after graduating from Christopher Newport University in 1995 with a degree in accounting. Jim worked with Auditor of Public Accounts and Department of Taxation in Richmond, an accountant with the College of William and Mary, the Hampton Roads Transit Authority in Hampton, as auditor with the Defense Logistics Agency, and completing his career with the Defense Contract Audit Agency in Hampton, Va.

Life with Jim was a series of exciting adventures launched from a secure base. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and the outdoors. He attended the Our Lady Queen of Peace, Fort Eustis Regimental Chapel.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Doris Jackson, and his sister-in-law, Judy Jackson.

Jim is survived by his spouse of 43 years, Sally (Ramsdell) Jackson of Gloucester Point; his brother, Dave (JoAnn King) of Copperas Cove, Texas; his sister, Bonnie (Bill) Shattuck of Titusville, Pa.; his sister, Robin (Jay) Stiffler, of Wattsburg, Pa.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lee and Ruth Ramsdell of North East, Pa.; sister-in-law, Debbie (Paul) Skal of Wattsburg, Pa.; brother-in-law, Mike (Kim) Ramsdell of Spartansburg, Pa.; sister-in-law, Sue (Brian) Allen of Wattsburg, Pa.; two close nieces, Melissa (Jerry) Harroun and Erin (John) Hallberg, and his many other nieces and nephews and other relatives.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, from 1-2 p.m. with funeral services starting at 2 o’clock. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John Kessler, Nurse Diane, and all of the exceptional staff at Virginia Oncology Associates at Port Warwick, Newport News, Va. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Rd., Hayes, Va. 23072.

Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, Va. is in charge of arrangements.