William "Bill" Francis Jackson, age 82 passed away Friday, November 12, 2021. He was born on December 10, 1938 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Vermont and Isabel Jackson. He proudly served his country as a military police officer for the United States Army. On May 22, 1965, he married Christine Merta in Chicago, Illinois. A devout Catholic, he was fiercely family oriented. Bill never met a stranger and will forever be remembered for his bad dad jokes. He was a longtime Freemason at the Whiting Lodge #613, a Shriner at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City and served as the Grand Royal Patron of Indiana for the Order of the Amaranth.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Chris Jackson; daughters, Amy (Gregory) Cox, Julie (Donald) Kissee, Carrie (Bernard) Parks; grandchildren, Gregory Cox, Jr., Brandyn Wm. (Rachel Trimble) Mason, Joshua D. (Cristen) Mason, Kimberly N. (fiancé, Andrew Keith) Mason, Joseph A. (Amanda) Cox, Zachary (fiancée, Chelsea Austin) Cox, Brandon (Alison) Kissee, Ryan (girlfriend, Allyson Wolfinger) Martin, Justin (fiancée, Bridgette Mozham) Kissee, Lorissa (Alexander Griggs) Byrley, Aidan C.C. Parks; 23 great grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Ray) Duquette-Weathers; and sister-in-law, Liz Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vermont and Isabel Jackson; brothers, Charles and Kenneth Jackson; great grandson, Vincent J. Cox and great great granddaughter, Lily M. Pagan.

Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 North Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.

Memorial visitation for Bill will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Masonic services at 6:00 pm. A memorial service with military honors will take place Tuesday at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.