William ‘Bill’ Jackson

Bill is survived by his children, Alan (Maureen) Jackson, Victoria (Marc) Wolf and Eric (Kerry) Jackson.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Jussila Jackson.

Bill was born in Laurium to William F. Jackson and Ida (Sundquist) Jackson.

He was a 1954 graduate of Calumet Senior High School and a 1958 graduate of Michigan Technological University with a degree in electrical engineering.

Bill honorably served eight years in the US Naval Reserve, reaching the rank of petty officer second class.

He married Gloria in 1959. Over the next 51 years, the couple welcomed three children into their home and ultimately six grandchildren, Cole and Robin Jackson, Jack and Emmett Wolf and Ida and Elsa Jackson.

Bill has been described by many as a generous individual who loved his grandkids and was passionate about his company CableAmerica, his vintage Corvettes, and his alma maters.

He was an active and dedicated member of many organizations and boards. He was on Marquette’s City Commission and served as Mayor Pro Tem. Bill seemed to live many lives through his numerous endeavors, successful in all of them, including 37 years in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

In 1971, he founded what became CableAmerica, a telecommunications business he was active in until the very end. Although he moved away from the U.P. in 1981, his heart remained there. For over 30 years, he enjoyed spending his summers in Eagle Harbor surrounded by friends and family.

A memorial will take place in July in Eagle Harbor; the date is to be determined.

The family would like to thank Patty Urquiza and his longtime childhood friend, Fred Luoma, both of whom were so supportive in his last few years, sitting by his side at the most critical time. We would also like to thank the staff at Mayo Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital and Plaza Healthcare for their kindness and care.

The family has designated The Salvation Army, both Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, for memorial contributions go to salvationarmywi.org.

Bill received Christmas gifts as a child from them, and never forgot how wonderful they were.

Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, Arizona.