William "Bill" Colledge Jackson

William “Bill” Colledge Jackson, 91, of Carterville, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at his home.

Private services with military rites will be held.

Bill was born February 13, 1929, in Benton, to William H. and Florence (Watson) Jackson. He attended high school in both Benton and Chicago.  He enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS MINDORO aircraft carrier during WWII.

He graduated from Compton Jr. College in Compton, California, and later received his Bachelor of Science degree from Evansville College in 1952. Bill then graduated from SIUC in 1959 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. He taught in Cahokia and Quincy and moved back to SIU and the University Lab School where he coached and taught Physical Education. He won the Black Diamond football championship as well as the Coach of the Year Award. He spoke fondly and often of his students and athletes from that time. He taught swimming for several years and was the Aquatics Director for the Carbondale Park District. Bill was the first Athletic Director for John A. Logan College. After 20 years of teaching, he left the profession and opened and owned Bill’s Travel Center for 14 years.  

He married Wanda J. Smock on December 27, 1959, in Hannibal, Missouri. She preceded him in death on December 25, 2019.

He is survived by his daughters, Jill Blythe and Debbie Van Winkle; nephew, Corky Miller; half-brothers, Jim and Melvin Dixon; and dear friends, Sam (Susan) Jordan, Ann Gualdoni and Kristy Gualdoni Travis. 

Bill volunteered for 8 years with the American Lung Association doing fund raisers, bike treks, and the like. He also served as the Chairman of the Williamson County Red Cross for 10 years during the Marion tornado.

He was a member of the First Christian Church for years and also attended the First Baptist Church in Carterville.

He was a member of the V.F.W. and Benton Rotary Club.  

Memorial contributions can be made to Carterville First Baptist Church or to Carterville American Legion.

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