Obituary published on Legacy.com by Robertson Funeral Directors - Wheeler on Jul. 8, 2025.
Jimmy W. Jackson, 74, of
Wheeler, Texas, passed away on July 1, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Wheeler. Jim lived a life marked by service, hard work and deep devotion to his family and community.
Jim was born on December 21, 1950, in Stephenville, TX to Pruitt and Ruth Jackson. He was the last of 3 children and the only son & baby brother to his big sisters, Shirley & Angela; though he didn't remain the littlest one for long. He grew up playing football, hunting and working odd jobs in Erath County and recalled his time as a summer hand with the Texas Highway Department with fondness. He graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, where he majored in Soil and Plant Science. He began working for the US Soil Conservation Service in 1973. His job took him to Wellington, TX where he met Mary Frank (Frankie) Cummings. They were married July 4, 1975 in Wellington and soon moved to Spearman, TX where they spent the first year of their life together. They then moved to Wheeler, where he and Frankie spent the rest of their days together. They raised two children, Tony and Jessica, who both spent all of their school years at Wheeler ISD. He passed away just 3 days short of his 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Throughout his life, Jim embodied the values of selflessness, humility, hard work and kindness. These qualities were evident in every role he took on – from family man to community leader. A longtime member and leader in the Masonic Lodge, Jim achieved the distinguished rank of Worshipful Master. His commitment to service extended into many areas. He served for years as a volunteer firefighter with the Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department and gave generously of his time as a baseball coach and Cub Scout Leader when his children were young. He was infamous for his quick wit among his family and friends, from perfectly timed one liners to silly cartoon drawings, sometimes appropriate but often not.
Jim loved being outdoors with his family. Whether hunting, fishing, shooting clays, riding four-wheelers or simply exploring nature with his grandchildren, these were the moments he cherished most.
When he was under a roof, it was to "pick and grin" with friends. Jim had an extraordinary talent for music. A world-class guitar player whose skill brought joy to those fortunate enough to hear him play. He could play most, if not all, of the Bluegrass stringed instruments, though he was reluctant to admit how skilled he was. Jim also loved working with his hands and being busy. There was rarely a time that he didn't have an ongoing project.
He especially enjoyed traveling with Frankie to visit their grandchildren for holidays, birthdays, and cheering them on at their sports events whenever he was able. These trips were more than just visits – they were celebrations of love that strengthened the bonds across generations.
Jim is survived by his wife, Frankie; a son, Tony Jackson of Shallowater, TX and his wife Tonya; a daughter, Jessica Rubio of Greenwood, TX and her husband Jaime; a sister, Angela Boyd of Lakeside City, TX and her husband Clarke; Grandchildren- Wes Jackson stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, CA; Ty Jackson of Lubbock, TX and his wife Jenna; Rylee, Carsyn and Jackson Rubio of Greenwood; and a great granddaughter, Emma Jackson of Lubbock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pruitt Jackson & Ruth Hinton Jackson, and his sister, Shirley Brooks.
Jim leaves behind a legacy rooted in love for family, dedication to community, and a spirit that inspired all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him and continue to guide them in the years ahead.
A visitation will be held on July 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Robertson Funeral Directors, 508 S. Canadian St. A funeral service honoring Jim's life will be held on July 12th at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Church in
Wheeler, Texas. He'll be laid to rest following the service in the Wheeler Cemetery only a about a mile from the house he and Frankie shared for the last 45 years.
The family suggests donations be made to either of the following organizations,
Shriners Children's or Wheeler County Masonic Lodge #929, 101 N. Madden, Shamrock, TX 79079.