William “Bill” O. Jackson was born on September 11, 1947, in Epperson, TN, to Robert O. and Ina (Witt) Jackson.
Bill married Valera Elise “Lee” Schiller on January 17, 1970, in Collinsville, IL.
In addition to his wife of 54 years, Bill is survived by his son, Christopher Jackson, godson, Bradley Williams, in-laws, Sonny and Mary Schiller, Judy Williams and Norm Schiller, all his special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great-nephews; his dear friends, Joe Becker, Mike Becker, Gary Butkovich, Marvin Dixon, Bill Kent, Mike Rochus, Kenny Tipler and Darrell Williams.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Emil and Valera Schiller, sister, Vivian Grantham and brother-in-law, Robert, sister, Geane Ayers, twin sister, Willene (Jim) Gregory, brother, Robert O. Jackson, brother-in-law, Ron Williams, nephews, Buddy Schiller and Michael Grantham.
He graduated from Granite City High School and enlisted in the Army in May 1969 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was Commander of VFW Post 1300 in Granite City for eight years and served one year as a National Aide-de-Camp. He retired as a track supervisor from Norfolk Southern Railroad. Bill was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. He loved to hunt, fish and trap, but mostly loved to spend time in his pole barn with his friends.
Memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL.
In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL, with Pastor Anderw Packer officiating. Interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, with military conducted by the United States Army.
Memorial donations may be given to Jefferson Barracks Hospice to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
