Lt. Col. William A. Jackson

Lt. Col. William A. Jackson, USAF, Ret. passed away March 11, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer.

He is survived by his daughter, Holly Mitchell and her husband Ron, his daughter, Kelly Opp and her husband Patrick; his granddaughter, Meagan Angelino and her husband Bill, great-grandchildren, Jackson and Jensen Rose and Maddie, Logan and Lincoln Angelino; his younger brothers, Bobby Willard and Claude Jackson and sisters-in-law, Mildred, Nancy and Verian; countless nieces, nephews and cousins and his longtime friend and companion, Jolene Streit.  He was deeply saddened by the recent death of his grandson, William Austin Burnett, who was his namesake and who he was making so many future plans with.

Bill was born November 17, 1935 in Sandy Creek Township, North Carolina to William and Mollie Jackson. He, along with his seven siblings, was raised on a small tobacco farm where he lived until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1953.  A few years later, he met and married the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Sue, and they embarked on the adventurous life of a military family. They lived and traveled all over the world until they settled in the quaint village of Placitas, New Mexico in 1974.  There, they built several ranch properties, raised and showed horses, hunted and hosted many competitive and hilariously fun gymkhanas in their arena as members of Los Caballeros del Monte.

Bill spent much of his Air Force career as a reconnaissance pilot, where he was awarded a Silver Star and numerous Bronze Medals for his brave actions in combat. He flew almost 300 successful missions and was very humbled to be one of the many veterans honored with a career display at the Veterans Memorial Park in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He retired at the age of 46 and then pursued a career as a real estate agent for ten years, working with Walker Hinkle which merged with the Vaughn Company in the 80's.

Finally, ready to retire again, he and Sue sold their home, bought an RV and hit the road for six years. They made so many wonderful friends along the way, traversing the United States, Mexico and Guatemala. Missing a mailbox they decided to settle down in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. With the eighth green as a backyard and the lake five minutes away, their time with family and friends consisted of golfing, boating, campfires and small town activities with their many friends there. Sadly, Sue passed away in October 2002 ending a beautiful love story that lasted 46 years. She waits for him in Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for two incredible people who served their country admirably and honorably.

Bill had a thirst for knowledge, always reading. He played many musical instruments, the guitar being his favorite. He was a skilled equestrian and the Master of Fox Hounds with the Juan Tomas Hunt Club. He was an eager student of the weather, rarely missing in his predictions. He loved sailing and windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and snow skiing and he was excellent at them all.  He was a certified scuba diver, having explored some of the most beautiful reefs in the world. He loved adventure, jumping out of his first airplane with style on his 80th birthday and he was a top mixologist with his margaritas and his Irish Chocolate Milk. He was very interested in other cultures and had been to 46 countries at the time of his death. He was the heart and soul of his beloved family, always supporting and encouraging them as they made their way in the world. "Poppy" was the instigator of mayhem and a partner in crime, spoiling his grandkids with the priceless gift of his time, love, and devotion. His legacy of a positive attitude, perseverance, and risk-taking will continue on through all those he met and loved along the way.

The family will hold a Memorial Service Thursday, March 31, 2022, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.  Immediately following all are welcome to join us as we gather at O'Neills Irish Pub, 3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE for drinks, food, stories and laughter and to celebrate this amazing man with one last party!

For those who are unable to join in person, please follow this link to virtually attend Bill's Memorial Service at FRENCH - Lomas starting at 5:00 p.m. on March 31st, 2022.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/71031