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Mark D. Jackson, 76, formerly of Neffs, Ohio, died May 24 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Born October 28, 1947 in Bellaire, Ohio, Mark was the quintessential middle child of Donald and Sheila (Marlin) Jackson. He attended Bellaire High School before being in a catastrophic car accident that left him paralyzed, not that he complained much. He later went on to graduate from Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. While in college, he was a radio DJ for WBZE.
He married Marge Burdess on March 21, 1975 and they made their home in Neffs for the next 45 years before her death August 2020. Their home was known for front porch coffee, amazing homemade wine and food with neighbors and dogs, especially the dogs, welcome at any time.
Mark retired from teaching middle school at the Neffs School location where he begrudgingly enjoyed his students more than he liked to let on. He tutored a lot of kids. Mark presided over School Street from the porch in retirement and loved it when former students would go by and holler and wave at Mr. J.
Mark was an advocate for the village and served as a notary and the long-time treasurer for the Neffs Volunteer Fire Department. Sometimes called the honorary mayor, he helped be a voice for the neighborhood with major projects. Probably one of his most storied accomplishments was a history of Neffs booklet that his students helped to gather and write. This booklet is still in demand, passed around and is talked about as one of the best accounts of the story of the town.
Mark enjoyed Marge's food, family, music, cards and kibbitzing with the neighborhood. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing, as long as the nieces were along to bait the hook because, eww, worms, and boating out at Senecaville.
Mark is survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Kathy) Jackson of Bridgeport, WV. Mark and Marge didn't have children of their own, but helped to raise many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and had a hand in keeping several neighborhood kids alive, fed and out of trouble.
After Marge's death, Mark tried to stay in Neffs before deciding it would be best to make the move to a warmer climate and in with family. During that time before the move, the School Street Team made it possible for Mark to stay in his home. The family is indebted to Michelle, Peach, Tommy, Lori, Anna and many others who stepped in to help fill the shoes left by Marge, and for helping Mark through the major transition away from Neffs.
A special thank you goes to Katie Ernest, Rose Owens Leonard and Sue Seligman for stepping into the role of his nurses when we needed it the most. You represent all that is noble and practical in the profession because, let's face it, he could be a real PITA at times.
In keeping with Mark's preference, a simple gathering will be held at Holly Memorial Gardens Mausoleum on July 6 at 11 a.m., with traditional Jackson family gathering after. The family suggests for anyone moved to make a memorial gift contribution to consider the Neffs Volunteer Fire Department or any Humane Society, because, you know, dogs.