Jackson and his wife Mary Emily Clower Jackson were publishers of The Advance Monticellonian newspaper from 1964 until 1996. They began their joint journalism career at The Times in McGehee, Arkansas in 1962. They moved from McGehee to Monticello in 1964 when Jackson's father purchased The Advance Monticellonian after a fire destroyed the newspaper's building.
Jackson's own career in the newspaper business started at the age of 6 when he was tasked with sweeping the floors in the print shop of his father's newspaper. He then graduated to setting type and hand-feeding the newspaper press. Later, after Jackson and his wife moved to Monticello to take over The Advance Monticellonian, he and his father met a politician named Bill Clinton, who was then running for Attorney General. Clinton, looking all of 19 years old with a stylish and long head of hair, impressed the younger Jackson, but not the elder Jackson. After Clinton left, the elder Jackson remarked, "That young man is not going anywhere in politics. His hair is too long -- looks like a hippy!"
When not working at the newspaper during his youth, Jackson excelled at sports. He was named to all-district and all-state high school football and basketball teams. Although he didn't play college ball, he went on to quarterback his Greenville Air Force wing football team to an Air Force Training Command championship, receiving an all-ATC team position for three years. Later in life, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and tennis player.
In addition to his involvement in the newspaper business, Jackson was a radio control aircraft enthusiast, opening Advance Hobbies in the late 1990s. He was introduced to radio control aircraft models by Dr. John Dougherty, a former UAM music department director. Later the two, along with Bobby and Cherie Bradford of Warren, two Monticello mayors, and the Monticello City Council, would help organize the existing Southeast Arkansas Modelers Club. Jackson fondly recalled his first "solo" flight in a pasture at UAM with "flight instructor" Dr. Dougherty (with 4 inches of snow on the ground and a chilly 19 degree temperature) as more exciting than soloing his first full-size aircraft in the Air Force. He and Mary Emily remained supporters of the local club and helped find and construct the club's existing flying sight on the banks of Lake Monticello. Later, the club honored him by naming the field for him; he thought the field should have been named after the Bradfords, whom he credited as "the most responsible people for the success and continuance of the sport in Southeast Arkansas."
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Emily, and their four children -- William Stuart Jackson and his wife Christy of Little Rock, and Elizabeth Brooke Smith, Julie Catherine Jackson and John Flannery Jackson, all of Monticello. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kathleen Emily Jackson and Connor William Jackson, both of Little Rock. His older sister, Etta Marion Williams and husband William W. Williams Jr. of McGehee and their children (William W. Williams III and Susan Williams Zalnis and their children and grandchildren) also survive him.
Jackson was a 1953 graduate of McGehee High School and a 1957 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (Sigma Chi), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business, with a minor in journalism. Upon graduation from college, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and underwent pilot training. He served four years and was honorably discharged. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Captain.
Jackson was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served in various roles, including youth Sunday School teacher and board member. Jackson also completed a series of Methodist Bible studies, and for four years led the Wednesday evening gatherings. He later participated in a weekly, all denominational Bible study under the leadership of Dick Kluender, whom he considered his spiritual leader.
Jackson's other community activities included being a member of the local Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow; being a member of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce (being named chamber "Man of the Year") and its Board of Directors; being a member of the Board of Directors of Union Bank and Trust; being a member of Twenty for the Future in Monticello; being selected as the Red Cross "Man of the Year"; being named to the DeSoto Area Boy Scout board (although he couldn't serve due to health issues); and being a member of the organizing committee for Delta Counseling, later serving on its board of directors for about ten years. He was also a member of the original committee that planned and successfully developed Monticello's Educational, Medical and Cultural Complex.
Despite all of these activities over the course of his 81 years, his most enjoyable times in life came when he was fishing with Mary Emily. She could out-fish and outlast him at any time and on any lake, river or stream!
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. Family visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time Saturday. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello; Paws Animal Shelter, P O Box 126, Monticello, AR; American Heart Assoc., 909 W. 2nd, Little Rock, AR 72201. Online guest book at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(32)
Elizabeth Brooke Jackson Smith
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 6, 2018 Thinking of you dad, it's been almost two years, I just read the obituary that is on here or I don't remember it. This ride has a lot of turbulence on it, but I wouldn't be without you for anything. Thanks daddy for taking the time. Aunt Marion is gone too. Goodbye sunshineScott Merrell
O'Fallon, IL Monday, December 19, 2016 So very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Jackson - our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. IHSV - Scott MerrellClassie Jones Green
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, December 8, 2016 Sorry to hear about Mr. FRANK YOU ALL DID A WONDERFUL JOB WITH THE ADVANCE..THANKS !!!MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ALLTerri Montgomery
Monticello, AR Sunday, December 4, 2016 Mary Emily and Julie, I was saddened to read about the death of Mr. Frank.Always such a good Christian example to those who worked along side of him.
My thoughts and prayers for you all!
Sarah Cockrell Martin
, AR Sunday, December 4, 2016 Mary Emily and children, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your husband and father. Mary Emily, You are one of the strongest people I have ever known. I pray that the coming years will be filled with peace, happiness and some time to take care of yourself. Your heart is so full of kindness and love. Have been praying for you and will continue. Much love, my dear.Terry L Tucker
El Dorado, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 Frank was a wonderful friend and a good man. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go to the family.Mike Makepeace
El Dorado, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 I wish I had known in time to make the funeral, Frank was an inspiration to all of us who fly models, and a good friend. He will be missed !Mike & WANDA CAVANESS
monticello, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 Mary Emily and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you in yourloss of Frank.
Norman Faith MSGT USAF Ret.
El Dorado, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 God's speed Frank. PeaceJason Cunningham
El Dorado, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 Enjoyed many days at the hobby shop with Frank. He brought out the kid in all of us in the modeling hobby and created memories that will last us a lifetime.. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends !!Kathryne & Kenneth Burton
Monticello, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 We are saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He has been such a part of the Monticello scene, as well as Mary Emily and the children.We will miss him. May the Lord be with you.
Amber Mullis
Russellville, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 I am sorry to hear of Frank Jackson passing away. He was a nice, generous, Christian man. When I was the County Administrator for DHS, he would often donate money to those in the community in need. He would always tell me not to let the families know where the money came from. I doubt he ever told anyone he helped others. I will always remember his generosity & humbleness. He was a great man.Maribeth Frazer
Warren, AR Saturday, December 3, 2016 Mary Emily,Our prayers are with you and your family. I am deeply saddened by your loss.
Mrs. Bo Maxwell
McGehee, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Sincerest prayers to all.linds rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 my condolence to the jackson family may God hold you close during this sad timeWalter S Chapman
Monticello, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I will always remember him as an exemplary newspaper publisher and model airplane enthusiast who also served his nation and community. My condolences Mary Emily and family.Andy & Terrie Briant
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Ms.Mary Emily and family, sincerest sympathy and condolences on Mr. Frank's passing. Prayers for your peace and comfort at this sad and difficult time. He is at peace and no longer suffering. May God bless you all.Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Judy Dunn Magee
Conway, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Mary Emily, I am so very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. He was one of the good guys, always smiling and taking time to talk with us when we entered The McGehee Times or saw him on the streets, and, a sharp dresser. You were blessed to have such a wondeful man in your life for 54 years. You will be in my prayers.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Mary Emily & family,I am so sorry to read about Frank's death. What a great man, father and advocate for life he was! I know you will truly miss him and yet have so many cherished memories of your time together. My heart aches for you in your sorrow. May God surround you with his loving arms to give you comfort.
With love & sympathy, Janice
Elaine Keys
Conway, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Mary Emily, and familyYou are in my thought and prayers at this time.
Love & Prayers,
Elaine
Dwane Powell
Raleigh, NC Friday, December 2, 2016December 1, 2016
I just received the sad news that my first editor, Frank Jackson has died. Frank was the owner and editor of my hometown newspaper, the McGehee Times as well as The Advance Monticellonian in Monticello, Ark.
While a Junior majoring in Ag Business at The University of Arkansas at Monticello, I stopped by the front office of his paper to buy some paper for an English theme I was working on. Frank, who knew my family, was familiar with my drawings that appeared in a campus publication and were pasted up around campus. He asked if I'd be interested in drawing an editorial cartoon for his paper. "I'll pay you 5 bucks apiece." he said. I figured that would buy a six pack and agreed.
He suggested I read up on state politics so the following week I drew a cartoon for him. That weekend I was home in McGehee when my father looked up from his Sunday Arkansas Gazette, saying. "Dwane, there's a cartoon in here with your name on it." The statewide Arkansas Gazette had reprinted my first editorial cartoon from Frank's little paper, and this continued for several years, eventually leading to a portfolio that secured me reporting, staff artist, and cartooning gigs with several newspapers, eventually leading to the News and Observer in Raleigh and national syndication.
Frank left behind a stellar legacy as a gutsy small town journalist and was a fine human being. Without my chance encounter with him that day I suspect my life could have taken a quite different turn. My sincere condolences to his wonderful wife, Mary Emily and their children.
Dwane Powell
Marijo Miles
Springfield, MO Friday, December 2, 2016 So very sorry for your loss and want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayersRandy Alexander
Ashdown, AR Friday, December 2, 2016 Mr. Frank was a good man. He will be missed.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 Dear Jackson Family, You have my prayers and sympathy at this sad time. Mr. Jackson was a Monticello icon and worked in so many areas to improve our city. I am sorry for your great loss!cheryl
, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 miss mary emily and family i am so sorry to hear about mr frank yall are in my thoughts and prayersLee Bowman
Little Rock, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 Frank Jackson was my hero, growing up in McGehee. All State quarterback on a Championship Owl team, owner of the first Thunderbird I'd ever seen....red, as I recall, and willing to spend time with a young admirer, seven years younger.Lee Bowman
Carl and Lesley Creger
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family during this difficult period. We Love you, the Creger family.Patsy McDermott Scavo
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 Frank was a friend to so many & is remembered as a great guy !He was one of the best QB's in McGehee Owl history & my Dad Coached him along with others who made our school proud. He will be missed by his family but also the many friends who will remember his smile and good times with him ! Always the best he could be ! Condolences to Mary Emily and his children & other family members.
Dorothy Glover
monticello, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 sorry for your loss. your family is in our prayersWinston and Anne
, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 Grateful for our friend, Frank..... we rejoice in his home-going. Praying for Mary Emily and all of their family.Bob Barnes
Montiello, AR Thursday, December 1, 2016 I did Mr Frank Jackson many years, he was a great friend and will be missed