William (Bill) Jackson, Age 87, died at his home in Benton Harbor, on Wednesday, June 3.

Mr. Jackson was born in Rector, Clay County, Arkansas, in 1932, to Bernice and James Jackson.

Survivors include his children; Deborah (Clinton) McVay of Watervliet, Diana (Clyde Stanage) Schmuhl of Benton Harbor, James (Toni) Jackson of Port Charlotte, FL, and Dena (Lou) Brule of Coloma; two sisters; Mildred Sexton of Watervliet and Denise (Mike) Crockett of Benton Harbor, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends and neighbors that were just like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, James Merritt, the love of his life for 62 years, Josephine (Volpe), two sisters, Betty (Jackson) Merritt and Dorothy (Jackson) Baushke, and a brother, Thomas Jackson.

Bill held many positions in the die casting industry from machine operator to a tool room supervisor during his time at New Products Corporation, Benton Harbor Malleable, and finally retiring from Cast-Matic Corporation. He was an avid bowler, golfer, and the owner and head coach of "Bill's Bulldogs" and "The Jackson's" softball teams. His lifelong best friend and Boy Scout troop-mate, the late Johnny Songer, held a special place in Bill's heart. Bill continued to be a supporter of both; Boy and Girl Scouts movements through his children, grandchild, and even to his great-grandchildren having such fond memories of his own experiences. He was truly one of a kind man with a heart of gold. He will fondly be remembered and dearly missed by many family members, friends, and acquaintances, as he never met a stranger.

The funeral will be a private service at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet, MI followed by interment at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores on Wednesday, June 10th.

The family would like to invite all friends and extended family to a Celebration of Life luncheon at Lake Township Park in Bridgman at 2:00pm, Wednesday, June 10. Memorials may be sent in Bill's memory to the Senior Nutrition Services, Inc. Meals on Wheels program at www.snsmeals.org/donate.