Submitted by: John C. Monk

SBT - 08/16/2006

Marion L. "Jake" Jackson, 85, of South Bend, IN, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 13, 2006, from an extended illness with kidney disease.

Jake was born on November 9, 1920, in Hawarden, Iowa, to Jacob and Bessie (Wright) Jackson. His father, mother and a brother, Gwynne, have preceded him in death. Jake grew up in Canton, South Dakota. After graduating from Canton High School, he worked for the Sioux Valley News as a typesetter. He also worked for the Milwaukee Railroad.

In 1943 Jake volunteered with the Army Air Corps. He served two tours of duty in a heavy bombardment combat crew stationed in England in 1944 and 1945. He was a staff sergeant in the 391st Bomb Squadron, 14th Bombardment Group H. He completed 30 missions over France, Germany, Belgium and Holland, including two missions in France on D-Day. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The G. I. Bill enabled Jake to attend the University of South Dakota, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity in 1946, eventually serving as its president. In 1946 he was also inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, a National Honorary Fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor's of arts in 1950. He also served with the University of South Dakota ROTC as a second lieutenant from 1946- 1953.

Jake then went on to teach mathematics at Highmore, South Dakota, Rock Rapids, Iowa, Canton, South Dakota, Sioux City, Iowa, during which time he also acted as the high school coach for track, football and basketball.

In 1955, Jake was recruited by his alma mater, the University of South Dakota, to serve in an ever-changing array of capacities including assistant dean of men, sports information director, freshman football coach and freshman basketball coach. He also attended classes and obtained a master's degree in arts in 1966.

In 1966 Jake began his employment as a mathematics teacher with the South Bend Community School Corporation, which lasted until his retirement in 1982. He taught at Monroe School (grades 7-8) and Jackson Middle School (grades 7-9). During this time he coached and officiated for various sports.

One of the pleasures of Jake's life was working in the press box for Notre Dame football games, keeping statistics. He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church. He also served on the supervisory board for the Teachers Credit Union for many years. Jake was a proud member of the "counter-culture" at Cira's Restaurant, appearing for breakfast meetings daily for over 40 years.

On June 5, 1971, Jake married Carol Ann Hamilton Carter of Canton, South Dakota, in Danville, Illinois. She survives along with their daughter, Susan (Paul) Schlemmer of Forest Hills, New York. Jake is also survived by his nephew, Daniel Jackson of Phoenix Arizona, and his four nieces, Gwen Mezosi of Phoenix, Arizona, Kathryn Jackson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marsha Eberhardt of Stratford, Ontario, and Janet Jackson of Cobden, Illinois.