James R. Jackson

SAUGERTIES…….James Robert Jackson, Jr., 72, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 20, 2022 from injuries sustained from a fall. Jim’s loss has left his family shocked and deeply saddened. 

Jim was born on September 30, 1949 in Bronx, NY. Jim was predeceased by his parents Edna and James Jackson and his brother, Tracey Smith. He is survived by his wife, Jacalyn; his sisters, Barbara Furthman, Virginia Jackson, Maryann Mackrodt; his brother Andrew (Diana); his stepdaughters Farrin (Matt) Wagoner, Amanda Kukle, and his three grandons, Mason, Navin and Tucker. 

Jim spent his youth in the Bronx attending parochial schools and graduated Evander Childs High School in 1968. Jim was a self-taught carpenter and general contractor most of his life.  Early on he was a local union carpenter in NYC. In his [30s, 20s, 40s?] he moved up to the Adirondacks where he built cabins and his love of nature flourished. Over the years, he built passive solar cabins in upstate New York and Puerto Rico. 

Long a devoted environmentalist and naturalist, he passionately enjoyed fishing, boating, kayaking, archery, hiking and knew all the local natural areas intimately. He kayaked around Scotland, and traveled throughout Central America.  Jim was a lifetime learner and avid reader with particular emphasis on local Native American history, ornithology, ecology and climate change. He often kayaked the shores of the Esopus in search of Native American artifacts, amassing an impressive collection.  

Jim had a passion for motorcycles, he loved all types and had many.  He enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and local food kitchens. Jim was a giver, he had faith in good deeds and right action. He was very proud of his sobriety (as well as his family). 

In 2007, Jim married Jacalyn and they created a beautiful life together in Saugerties, NY and in Rincon, Puerto Rico. He never had children, but became a loving, mushy, hands on grandfather. Outside of Jacalyn, those boys became his favorite people in the world. He was mesmerized by them and they adored him.  Anyone who knew Jim, knew that he was smart, kind, loving, caring and wonderful. Jim’s family and friends will miss him more than we can put into words. 

A celebration of life is being planned for the fall.   His funeral service was held privately. Arrangements were under the direction of the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties.   Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on Jim’s Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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