Robert "Bob" Jackson

Robert “Bob” Jackson, 92 of Paw Paw passed peacefully on Monday Dec. 20, 2021.  Bob’s life started on the family farm in Decatur, the second son of Elmer Sr. and Aimee Jackson.  He graduated from Decatur High School, a proud member of the class of 1947. He worked at the Hoxie’s Parts Store and then attended Michigan State for a short period with his older brother.  Then Bob went to work for Walker Ford in 1949. During these years he met the love of his life: Shirley.  In 1951 he was drafted into the Army and was stationed on Staten Island, NY, because of his background in Parts he was kept stateside and didn’t have to go to Korea.
During a leave he came back to Paw Paw to marry Shirley Kay Adamson and was honorably discharged in 1953. Upon returning to Paw Paw the couple set up their home and he again worked at the Ford Dealership which later became Harvey Ford in 1953 and 2 Paws Ford in 1994. He worked as the Parts Manager for 44 years. He was the “Friendly Guy” everyone saw behind the counter!
In 1954 Bob joined the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active member for 60 years, being fire chief in 1963-64. Working locally, he was able to respond to fires and emergencies day and night. He was still an honorary fireman at his passing.
Bob also joined the American Legion in 1954 and was an active member for many years calling Friday Night Bingo and he enjoyed being the Master of Ceremonies for the Memorial Day Ceremonies in the park downtown for many years. Bob was also a 32nd Degree Mason.
In 1963 Bob was elected the Paw Paw Township Clerk. Bob retired from that part-time position in 2000 after 37 years running the elections and doing the duties of the clerk for the township. Bob was a member of the Van Buren County Jury Board after retiring until 2021.  Throughout these years Bob would donate blood to the Red Cross and was recently honored with a special 200 pints recognition.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley of 63 years. His parents, His brother Elmer Jr. and sister-in-law Norma Jackson, Nephew Dana Jackson, brother-in-law Bob Adamson and sister-in-law Cathy Adamson and many other family members and friends .
Bob is survived by his two children: Judy (Tim) Janssen of Lawrence and Jim (Kathy) Jackson of Paw Paw.  He was a proud grandfather of Nathan (Morgan Miller) Jackson and Molly Jackson also of Paw Paw. This past year Bob became a great grandfather to Barrett Jackson.
Bob and Shirley loved their family and their community. They also loved to travel; over the course of their marriage, they traveled many places: Alaska three times, Panama Canal, and the continental United States from east to west coasts.  He loved to play cards and games, especially Yahtzee with his family. In his younger years Bob also enjoyed fishing with family members and friends.
Cremation will take place. There will be a Celebration of Life Open House at the Paw Paw Fire Station on   Jan. 29, 2022, 3p.m. to 6p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Paw Paw Firefighters Association, 115 Harry L. Bush Blvd., Paw Paw, MI 49079.