Joseph Vernon Jackson

Joseph Vernon Jackson, 86, of Jefferson, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on November 7, 1939, in Wauseon, Ohio, Joseph was the beloved son of Robert and Naomi (Grime) Jackson. He pursued higher education at Tri-State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering, beginning a long life marked by diligence, integrity, and quiet excellence.

On October 24, 1959, Joseph married his devoted wife, Mary Gutierrez, at Saint Mary’s-on-the-Lake in Manitou Beach, Michigan. Their 62-year marriage was a true partnership, richly blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of their lives. Their home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family came first and where countless treasured memories were made and lovingly shared.

Joseph dedicated 50 years of his professional life to Lubrizol, where he served in many capacities, including plant manager and lead engineer. Even in retirement, he continued to share his knowledge as a consultant, designing and engineering manufacturing systems that remain in use to this day, a lasting reflection of his talent and commitment.

Beyond his work, Joe was a man of many interests and a strong, steady spirit. He enjoyed playing chess and tennis and was an enthusiastic runner who completed numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 1980. He also found great satisfaction in farming, tending his crops and caring for his pig farm with the same patience and dedication that he brought to all areas of his life.

A man of faith, Joseph was a proud and active member of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Sheffield, Ohio. His faith shaped his character and could be seen in his kindness, his humility, and his love for his family and community.

Joseph is lovingly survived by his children: J. Daniel Jackson, Robert L. (Lisa) Jackson, John A. (Peggy) Jackson, Celeste M. (Mark) Fenton, and Sarah L. (David) Bogardus; his grandchildren: Sarah (Shawn) O’Brien, Rachel Grant, Ben (Katie) Jackson, Adam (Ashley) Fenton, Jillian (Bobby) Truszkowski, Helene (Ben) Moore, Beth Jackson, Nicholas (Sonya) Jackson, Jackson Bogardus, Susan Adele Bogardus, and Brielle Bogardus; and his great-grandchildren: Matthew, Oliver, Karlie, Nora, Benjamin, Landon, Remi, Jace, Raegan, and Charlee. Each of them carries forward a part of his gentle strength and loving legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished wife, Mary, in 2021; his infant son, Patrick Jackson; his grandson, Jeffrey Jackson; and his great-grandchildren, Lilah and Grayson. They are now reunited in eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Fleming and Billman Funeral Home, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 3700 State Route 193, Sheffield, Ohio, with burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Knights of Columbus, Ashtabula Council 360, 32 E. Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio 44047, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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