AGAWAM: Ronald F. Jackson, 81,(1935 – 2016) of Agawam, passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, with his loving family at his side. Born in Hartford, CT to the late Orlo and Marion (Warner) Jackson, Ron attended UMass, AIC and Wesley Theological Seminary. Over the years Ron worked for Moore Drop Forging Company, John H. Breck (America Cyanamid) and Lego. A lifelong man of faith (United Methodist), he devoted his later career serving as pastor for a number of Churches in both MA and CT. Upon his retirement, he continued as a Lay Supply Pastor, serving the Christ Church United Methodist in Southwick, MA. It was this church that Ron was a member of as a young boy and where he married his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley (Spinelli) Jackson, in 1957. He was always willing to lend a hand and open his home to someone in need. With his kind heart and the help of his loving wife Shirley, together they raised four sons: Scott Jackson (Chris Sarfaty), Bruce Jackson (Gerri), Kent Jackson (Mary) and Eric Jackson (Janice) and a fifth, Kewulay Kamara (Dionne), who joined the family in 1971. As parents of four young children their willingness to welcome and fully accept into the family a teenager from Sierra Leone, Africa, demonstrated the courage, openness and humanity for which Ron and Shirley were known. These children,and 9 adored grandchildren, Bruce W. Jackson, Yelka Kamara, Kalie Kamara, Sam Sarfaty-Jackson, Mory Kamara, Connor Jackson, Nick Sarfaty-Jackson, Rylee Jackson and Mackenzie Jackson, carry on Ron’s values, humor, love and traditions. In addition to a lifetime of church work Ron’s dedication to serving others with humor and compassion was demonstrated by his many years of service on the Southwick School Committee, role as group facilitator and counselor for families affected by suicide, and for many years coaching little league baseball, including 9 years working with 8-9 year olds as coach of the Dodgers. Decades after his coaching years, adults he once coached as little leaguers fondly recalled his role as teacher, sportsman and role model.Family and friends are invited to meet for Ron’s Memorial Service on Sunday May 15th at 2:00 PM at the Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Hwy in Southwick. Burial will be private for the family at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077. Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. www.forastiere.com
