Arthur Jackson Jr.

Arthur Jackson Jr., 93, of Covert, Michigan was born to the union of Ethel & Arthur Jackson on October 31, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020 at his home under hospice care.

His mother, Ethel Jackson passed away when he was five years of age. His father did not take on the full responsibility of him and his two siblings; so, he was placed with his grandparents.  Arthur’s first employment was a Milk Truck Driver at the age of ten.  His earnings were .25 per hour, and on pay day… Grandma was waiting at the door, with her hand out.  Because he had to provide for himself and his siblings, he was unable to complete High School yet he continued to seek and achieve knowledge through self-education.

On January 11, 1949, Arthur Jackson Jr. married Patricia Ann (Gist) Jackson in Holy Matrimony at St. Francis De Paula Perish, 7822 Dobson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois by Rev. Patrick Curran, Pastor.  To this union five children were birth:  Ethel Marie Jackson; Derrick Patrick Jackson; Martin Steven Jackson; Darnell Francis Jackson; and Patrice Arlene Jackson.

After being married three days; he was drafted into the Korean War.  In 1951, he was wounded going up a hill to save a friend’s life which severely injured his leg. He was released from the army hospital base with an Honorable Discharge.

Arthur and his wife Patricia were business owners of A. Jackson & Associates Truck Leasing, INC. in Chicago, Illinois.

He played the bass fiddle in a local city band. He became a member of the Millionaires’ Club.

One of his favorite hobbies was carpentry work. After purchasing his 1st home located at 7324 South Maryland, Chicago, Illinois in August, 1959; he decided to put his skills to work. He purchased a permit August 5, 1964 signed by Building Inspector Max Boshe. Gardening was another one of his hobbies.

In the summer of 1976; Arthur and his wife Patricia ventured out to find a summer home located at 74087 34th Avenue, Covert, Michigan.  From there, they decided to move to the state of Michigan.

Arthur, wife Patricia and youngest child Patrice joined St. Basil Catholic Church September of 1976.  Arthur served as an usher; he joined the church choir and the Knights of Columbus.

“Arthur” affectionately known as “Art” was a member of the South Haven Area Men’s Chorus.

He became a member of the Covert Township Lions Club over 30 years ago. He also was a member of the Covert Neighborhood Watch Program and the Covert Historical Library.  He served on the Covert Township Housing Board and was very active as a volunteer in the Covert Township School.  He participated with the Red Cross Blood Drive annually.

Not long after retiring from Willet Trucking Company in Chicago, Illinois, he took on employment at the Covert Township Transfer station snow plowing for neighbors and the Covert Township Post Office.  He also did carpentry work in the local Covert area.

At the ripe old age of 92, in January 2019 his one and only kidney was diagnosed in its 4th stage.  After which, his physical and mental health began to degrade.

On July 12, 2019; Shirley Faye Gregory married Arthur Jackson, Jr. at the Van Buren County Court House in Paw Paw, Michigan.

He leaves to cherish many fond memories: wife, Shirley Faye Gregory; son, Martin Steven Jackson; daughter, Patrice Arlene Jackson; niece, Charlette Hughes; sister-in-law, Janis Welch; first cousin, Alathia Evans, third cousin, Gregory Davenport, 18 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 12 great great grandchildren

Preceded in death by his parents; Ethel (Davenport) & Arthur Jackson; wife, Patricia Ann Jackson of sixty-three years; daughter, Ethel Marie (Jackson) Hylton; two sons, Derrick Patrick Jackson & Darnell Francis Jackson; brother, James Sterling Jackson; and sister, Corrine (Jackson) Hughes.

Wake will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the St. Basil Catholic Church with Father Jim Morris officiating. Arthur will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery in Covert Township.