Ira Duane Jackson

Duane was born on May 25, 1922 in Lead Hill, Arkansas to Floyd and Ida Arizona Jackson.  He passed peacefully the evening of November 27, 2020 at the age of 98 with his wife (Charlotte), eldest daughter (Penny) and son-in-law (Curt) at his bedside.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Garland and Willard, his sister Eunice and his daughter Linda (Mader). He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Charlotte Richenberg Jackson, his daughters Penny Starkey (husband Curt), and Louise Houston, and grandsons Jason Mader and Byron Starkey. He was loved and will be deeply missed by his family.

In 1928 Duane’s parents purchased a farm near Hatch, New Mexico where Duane spent most of his childhood. While living in Hatch he played football for Hatch High School and often went hunting with his Dad and brothers.

Duane joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and proudly served his country for four years as an Oiler and Fireman. Duane attended trade schools for welding and boiler maintenance.

After the war he visited his oldest brother in Tucson, AZ. That visit turned into a job in the maintenance department for the Valley National Bank where he worked for 38 years until retirement. 

While working at the bank he frequented the Woolworths lunch counter across the street for coffee.  There he met Charlotte Richenberg.  After two years of getting to know Charlotte over coffee he asked her out and 6 weeks later they were married on September 2, 1951. They had three daughters who they raised together in Tucson.

In 1988 Duane and Charlotte moved to Port Orchard, Washington to be near their eldest daughter.  They enjoyed living in the Pacific Northwest often taking ferry rides together to Seattle and spending their retirement around family.

Duane was a wonderful husband, great dad to his three daughters and a pretty cool Grandpa to his two grandsons.  His grandson Byron has fond memories of spending time at the Seattle waterfront before Mariner games, and spending time on the three-hole putting course Grandpa built for him. His grandson Jason has special memories of grandpa running full speed to catch a hurt bird falling out of a tree, teaching him to ride a bike and his stories and jokes at the dinner table during family gatherings. Duane was very proud of his daughters and grandsons.

Duane was known as “Mr. Fix-it” by the neighborhood kids for repairing their bikes and toys. Duane enjoyed telling stories of his adventures in the Merchant Marines and his life in Hatch, New Mexico. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed “tinkering” in his shop.  He made earrings, keychains, canes, lamps, lighthouses and sculptures from railroad ties and horseshoes. Duane shared the many items he made with friends, family and people he met at places he frequented.

Private graveside services will take place at the Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor.

Remembrances may be made to First Christian Church 4885 Hovde Rd. Port Orchard WA 98367.

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