James Melvin Jackson, age 92, of Paducah, passed away at home on May 18, 2015, at 1:00 AM.
Melvin was born November 18, 1922, in Kirbyton, where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Milburn High School and served his country in World War II for three years from November 1942 to November 11, 1945, in Europe with the 320th Infantry. Upon returning from the War, he received his B.S. from Murray State University and continued his education at the University of Kentucky where he received his M.S. He worked as a lab supervisor with Martin Marietta/USEC where he was known as “Jim”. He retired after 42 years of service. Melvin was a deacon at Kirbyton Baptist Church where he served as treasurer for 35 years. He was a 4-H leader and council member and continued to support 4-H through the years.
Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife of 71 years, Wanda Holt Jackson; two daughters, Melva Boles and her husband Dr. Shawn Boles of Eugene, Oregon and Ruth Ogden of Paducah; one son Dr. Stephen Jackson and wife Karen of Paducah; five grandchildren, Dr. Seth Ogden and wife Dr. Kristen Ogden of Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Lauren Jackson Kepsel and husband Levi, Kelly Jackson Johnson and husband Kyle, and Ben Jackson, all of Paducah, and Darcy Boles of Portland, Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Smith Ogden of Nashville, Saylor Jackson and Annalee Johnson of Paducah; one sister Ruth Miller of Kirbyton and a brother Martin Jackson and wife Florence of Kirbyton, sister-in-law Libby Jackson Wallace of Paducah and brother-in-law Bob Sigler of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Lura and Jerry Jackson, a sister Rudelle Sigler and two brothers, Dr. William Jackson and Dr. Morris Jackson.
The family will receive family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday May 22, 2015 at Kirbyton Baptist Church in Kirbyton, Kentucky with visitation from 11:00- 1:00 p.m. at the church. Rev. J. Mark Wilson and Rev. Michael Lee will officiate. Burial will follow in the Kirbyton Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Kirbyton Cemetery Fund: c/o Rod Martin, 2996 County Road 110, Fancy Farm, KY 42039.
You may leave a message, light a candle or share a song tribute for the family at www.milnerandorr.com
