James Paul Jackson

James Paul Jackson was born February 16, 1938, in Gaffney, South Carolina, the second of three children to Buford and Irene Jackson. He passed peacefully at home and surrounded by family on February 19, 2024, at the age of 86. 

Paul is survived by three children, Eric Paul Jackson (Kadi), James Scott Jackson (Jennifer), and Terri Lynn Jackson; five grandchildren, Valerie Michelle Cannon (Adam), Rachael Danielle Jackson, Kellie Anne Jackson, Kaitlin Jackson Shayotovich (Drew), Connor Ryan Jackson; and five great-grandchildren. 

Paul joined the US Air Force in the early 1960s which was one of the most transformational experiences of his life. After a stint as a draftsman at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company, he moved his family to Castalian Springs, Tennessee to begin work at TVA’s new Hartsville nuclear plant where he retired. 

We’d love to tell you more about his childhood and early adulthood, but he never talked about himself. He possessed a trait we should all hope to possess:   Presence. He rarely discussed the past and never complained. As children, we would ask him about his childhood. He had very little, if anything to say. However, he would remind us we’re lucky to have air conditioning! He prepared well for the future but didn’t worry about it. He lived completely in the present moment. 

In retirement, he was wholly dedicated to his family. He was and will continue to be an outsized influence in his grandchildren's lives.

He was there for ALL of us whenever we needed him. All you had to do was call. If we ever needed help, he’d pitch in and end up working us like rented mules. You’d have to beg him to stop! His work ethic was unparalleled. He defined “country strong.” Even at 85, he was mowing his own yard. 

He celebrated until the end, with the people who loved him most. We got lucky. We got to say goodbye in the best way possible. We had all the hugs, tears, and conversations. We will miss you, Papa! 

Visitation for Paul will be 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday, February 22, and 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Friday, February 23. Paul’s funeral service is 12:00 pm on Friday, February 23 followed by interment with military honors. All services will be held at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Alive Hospice or Operation Stand Down Tennessee.