It is with deep sadness that the family of John Douglas Jackson announces his peaceful passing at his own home on Friday, December 22, 2023. John is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Jackson and his loving wife, Leola Van Dinther-Jackson. He is survived by his two daughters, Tina Jackson, and Tanya Thorpe (John Pinnella). John, known as “Papa”, was a loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, Alexandra (Michael) Sipkens, Jeremy Maczkowski, Gabriel Maczkowski and Julia Thorpe. John welcomed his first great-grandchild in 2023, Archer Michael Sipkens, and was looking forward to his second great-grandchild to be born in 2024. He enjoyed being a stepfather to Laura VanDinther and Mark VanDinther (Karen) and their children. John was the youngest of five siblings. John is survived by his siblings, Lois Reed of Texas, Bonnie (Alan) Christie of Toronto, Marlene Jackson of Sarnia, and Ron (Joan) Jackson of Sarnia. He was a blessed uncle, with many, many wonderful nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. John was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario. Those who knew John knew him for his razor-sharp wit, charm, dedicated friendship, fierce loyalty and sense of humor. He was an avid marksman and military veteran. John began his military career when he enlisted in the US Army 22 Nov 63. He began boot camp at Fort Knox, KY. John’s 1st Duty assignment was 101st Airborne Infantry but was immediately transferred to Fort Myer, Virginia to 1st battalion reinforced, 3rd Infantry, U S Army Honor Guard, Company E. From there he was sent to Company A Fort Leslie J McNair in Washington, DC where he served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. John completed his military career a Specialist 4th Class/Act/Sgt E-5. Upon return from the army, John came back to Sarnia where he met and began his life with his first wife, Gloria Jackson (Irvine) with whom he had his daughters, Tina and Tanya. He was a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) and Insurance Broker for more than 30 years with Prudential Life Insurance, which became Clarica and then Sunlife Financial. John was a lover of adventure and travel. His successful career in insurance earned him the opportunity to see the world as a result of the numerous trips he was awarded throughout his career. In his retirement, he continued his love of travel by delivering luxury fifth wheel trailers across the US and Canada, where he made many new friends with his beloved second wife Leola VanDinther- Jackson. John loved participating in the local shooting club with his longtime buddies, as well as playing a game of pool or cribbage. John will be dearly missed. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with family and friends being received at 12:00 p.m. to celebrate and honour the life of our beloved Father and Papa, John Jackson. Reception to follow. A private family burial of ashes will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Sarnia. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Sarnia and District Humane Society (cheques only at the funeral home please).