James Paine Jackson

James Paine Jackson was an accomplished man whose greatest success can be measured in the family he loved and the people he befriended. He was a devoted husband, generous parent, influential community member and all-around good neighbor. People mattered to Jim whether on the job, across the street, or right in his own home. James was born on a farm to Wyman and Mary (Window) Jackson in Tennessee, Illinois on July 29, 1913. Due to the early death of his parents, he was adopted by Adam and Marie Pyle, Jr. who owned and operated Pyle Pattern Incorporated. The Pyle family had come to the U.S. in the late 1800s, bringing their trade to America from Denmark. The company that produced patterns for the automotive, truck and aircraft industries was incorporated in 1903 by Adam Pyle, Sr. and his son. The business was a family operation that, in due course, included young James as well. James accomplishments in life began with his education. He enjoyed school and was well read. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in Michigan, class of 1931. He began his higher education at Muskegon Community College and then transferred to the University of Detroit in the School of Business, where he majored in Finance. Jim had always excelled in math and his knowledge and skills soon led him to the financial world. Yet he also knew how to have fun and take time for his family. He had learned to play golf at age 13, and it proved an excellent recreation to share with his family for years to come. His golf accomplishments included being an accomplished scratch golfer, shooting a hole in one at the Spring Lake Country Club, and shooting his age from age 72 through his mid-80s. Other hobbies included ping-pong and bridge, which he enjoyed throughout his life. One friend Jim eventually taught to play golf was a lovely young woman named Florence Miller. The two of them were introduced by her brother Gont, and already in that first meeting, Jim and Flo were smitten with love. Still, he was a bit shy and waited for the third date to kiss her. The romance flourished along with their fondness for dancing. Many times they reveled in the joy of dancing on the beach of Grand Haven. They also enjoyed spending time bowling and were part of a couples bowling league. Jim and Flo made their vows of marriage on June 17, 1939 at St. Joseph Church in Muskegon. They were delighted by the birth of their first child, Sue, who they actually thought was going to be Tom. Jim was so enamored with his little girl he carried Sue around the house telling her about each room. Soon they did have a boy, Dan, followed by two more sons, Dave and Steve. Some of the best moments of their childhood were spent with family, whether at a rented cottage on a nearby lake or going to the Century Club for special occasions and birthday celebrations. And dont forget the family dogs: first Chips, a real digger, then Duke, and finally Prince, a Norwegian elk hound. The Jackson home was lively as well as loving. Jim and Flo raised their children with integrity, instilling in them the values they held dear. As he had learned, so Jim encouraged his children to advance in their education and to hold to the highest standards of ethics in everything they did. Jims solid character was nurtured by the faith he lived as an active member of First Congregational Church. Over the years, he lent his career experience to several volunteer organizations as director and past president of the National Associations of Accountants, attending all events throughout the country; as a member of Certified Public Accountants Association; as a lifetime Rotarian; and as a member of the local Selective Service Board. He also enjoyed being part of the Muskegon Coin Club and volunteering as a board member for the United Way. He exercised his financial skills by investing in local company stocks. His hobby of coin collecting became such fun that Jim shared it with his children and later with grandchildren, giving proof sets to them as birthday presents. Jim had succeeded to Vice President of Pyle Pattern Incorporated when he retired at age 65. More than ever, he enjoyed traveling, golfing and spending time at their condo in Siesta Key, Florida. Time and again Jim felt the reward of work and worship, family and friends. James Paine Jackson died Thursday, February 28, 2008. He had many years of joy and blessing in his 94 years of life and good reason to be proud of the family he cherished. Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Florence; 3 sons, Dan Sr. (Margaret) of Richmond, VA, Dave (Judy) of Fon Du Lac, WI, Steve (Deb) of Muskegon; daughter, Sue Jackson of Sacramento, CA; 9 grandchildren, Dan Jr. (Amy) Jackson, S. Andrew (Melissa) Jackson, Leslie (Garth) Troxell, James (Jennifer) Jackson, Ryan (Stephanie) Jackson, Adam Jackson, Stephanie (Ben) Soyars, Tracey Jackson, Patrick Jackson; 7 great grandchildren, Georgia Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, A. Tyler Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Cassidy Jackson, Emory Troxell, Piper Troxell. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Nestrom; and by his brother, Victor Pyle. A service to celebrate James life will be held on Monday, March 3, 2008, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family on Sunday, March 2 from 3-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence or Muskegon Rescue Mission.