James R. Jackson, Jr., after a month-long struggle with COVID-19 complications, passed away in the afternoon of April 9, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He was born to James and Darla Jackson on November 6, 1963, in Mt Pleasant, Iowa. He married Tonya McMurray in 2014.

Jim was a 1982 graduate of Ottumwa High School. He was a lover of literature, music, theater, nature, and all things Scottish and Irish. He often wished that Ottumwa High School had offered Gaelic as a foreign language.

He is survived by his wife, Tonya; three daughters: Kristen, Ruth Anne, and Mary; three stepchildren: Natasha, P.J., and Collen; a grandson, Liam; a sister, Denise Barrett; his parents; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Langkamp Funeral Chapel and Crematory of Oskaloosa in in charge of the arrangements. His body has been cremated, and there are no services planned, per Jim's wishes.