Michael "Mike" Jackson, 73

Michael Joe “Mike” Jackson, 73, Villisca, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at his home.
Mike was born Oct. 14, 1950, in Shenandoah, the son of Lloyd and Bonnie (Nance) Jackson. He was raised in the Gus area and graduated from Villisca High School in 1969. Mike served in the National Guard from 1969 until 1989.
He was united in marriage to Pamela English in 1971, and Dustin and Darcy were born from this union. He worked at Lane Implement in Villisca during high school until he began employment with Uniroyal, which later became Parker Hannifin for 39 years. He started Jackson Repair in 1981 and continued turning wrenches in his spare time until his death. In 1990, he moved to the farm and continued farming until the spring of 2024.
Mike was a member of the Villisca American Legion, Villisca Country Club, and his favorite, the Tarkio Valley Tractor Club. He had a long history with the Villisca Volunteer Ambulance and Fire Departments, serving as chief of both at different times, retiring in 1991 with over 20 years of service. He was a Washington Township Trustee who took care of the Arlington Cemetery for many years. Mike enjoyed all things tractors, working on them, operating them, restoring them and also collecting toy tractors. The highlight of his year was the annual Albert City Thresherman’s, which he enjoyed attending with his brother Don. When he wasn’t involved with tractors, he spent his Saturday mornings eating breakfast at TJ’s and spending time with his family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Dustin Jackson; and sister, Sharon Vianelli. Survivors include his daughter Darcy Dalton and husband Terry Dalton of Villisca; friend and “adopted” son, Vince Abraham of Villisca; grandchildren, Dylan Dalton of Villisca, Delaney Dalton of Newton, Tierney Dalton of Newton, Teagan Dalton of Villisca;  “adopted” grandsons, Tanner Abraham and Trevor Abraham, both of Villisca; great-grandson, Waylon Dalton; siblings, Janice Willett and husband Donnie of Corning; Connie Dake of Des Moines; Bonnie Gray of Des Moines; Jerry Jackson and wife Susan of Henderson, Nev.; Don Jackson and wife Phyllis of Storm Lake; Randy Jackson and wife Peggy of Gravois Mills, Mo.; and Merrie Jackson of Omaha, Neb.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. Burial of the cremated remains will be in the Villisca Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Villisca Volunteer Fire and EMS or the Villisca VFW.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak is in charge of arrangements.