Hartford City, IN

John K. Jackson, 85, well known Blackford County farmer and industrialist, passed away Monday evening, March 30, 2026, at the Waters of Hartford City.

He was born September 1, 1940, in Indianapolis, one of two children born to the late Robert E. and Margaret (Geyer) Jackson.

John survived polio at the age of ten and was the only one in town that completely recovered from the affliction.  He graduated from Hartford City High School, class of 1958. He participated in 4-H in his school years and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Butler University.  John attended college on a full football, college scholarship.

John married Mary Delia "Dee" Williams on August 5, 1961, in Franklin, Indiana.  They celebrated over thirty years of marriage, prior to her passing on April 10, 1992.

John and his wife Dee owned and operated Jackson Family Farms and also Hartford Packing Company.,

John was active with Grace Methodist Church in Hartford City, especially at their Christmas nativity scene and also the satellite services, that were broadcasted.  He also had served as an elder and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Hartford City.

Additionally, John was a member of Blackford Lodge #106 Free and Accepted Masons and formerly a Kiwanis member.  John was President of the Blackford County Hospital Board, prior to its affiliation with Cardinal Health Systems.  He was on the Board of Directors of the Citizens State Bank (now, First Financial Bank) under the Presidency of Robert W. Renner.

He leaves behind his four children: David (Patty) Jackson of Liberty Center, Ohio; Libby Jackson of Hartford City; Katey (Paul) Huggins of Indianapolis and Andy Jackson of Plymouth, Indiana.  Eight grandchildren: Emmy (Jon) Lutes, Lena (Zack) Zientek, Daniel (Sara) Jackson, Lauren Huggins, Sarah Huggins, Amanda Huggins, Emma Jackson and Lilly Jackson.  Five great-grandchildren: Milo & Penelope Lutes, Aurora & River Zientek and Isabel Jackson.  Nieces:  Amy (John) Payne and Amanda "Mandy" (William) Dornan; nephews: John Williams and James Williams and brothers-in-law, Joe Pearson and Dr. Jack Williams (Jan).

In addition to his wife, Dee, his father died Nov. 26, 1975; his mother on Mar. 27, 1998; a sister, Lucy Jackson Bayles passed August 13, 2025, and a nephew, Danny Pearson also precedes him.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Rev. Jeanne Winter and Rev. Gary Hall officiating.  Burial immediately follows at the Hartford City Cemetery.

Visitation will also be on Friday, at the church, beginning at 11:00 A.M. until services at 1:30.

Memorial contributions may be sent in John's name to the Grace Methodist Church, 312 W. Washington St. or the First Presbyterian Church 114 W. Franklin St., both in Hartford City, Indiana 47348

Visit WatersFunerals.com sign the guestbook or share a memory with his family.