Obituary of Simon J. Jackson

Simon James (Sim) Jackson of Walton passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 after a long illness. Sim was born in Beerston, NY on February 26, 1947 to S. Graham and Evelyn Lake Jackson. He attended Walton schools and graduated from Walton Central High School in 1965. During High School he was very active in music and played Varsity Football. He also participated in Drama Club plays and was a leader of Student Government. He attended Muskingum University on a Music Scholarship and received a Business Degree from Delhi Agricultural College. He served his country as a Marine from 1967-1970, including a year in Vietnam. He served in a Naval Security Unit in various African countries. Sim served as a Veteran’s Counselor for New York State for 26 years, working out of Sidney and Oneonta. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help his fellow Veterans receive the benefits they deserved for serving their country. Hundreds upon hundreds of vets can attest to his dedication to the job that he loved. Sim was an outstanding musician, singer and entertainer. He DJ’d hundreds of parties, reunions and other social events over the years. During High School he was a part of a musical group named the Mustangs. Sim was also a long distance runner for about 15 years. He ran full marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon. He was also an avid golfer over the years, and played on many famous courses. On his trip to Scotland he played at the world- famous St. Andrews course. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March, 2022. He fought bravely, as we all knew that he would, but succumbed to the disease on February 11 of this year. Sim was predeceased by his parents and an older brother, William Thomas Jackson. He is survived by his wife Beth, step-daughter Megan, brothers David (Carol), John (Karen), James (Ellen), many nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends Steve Houck, Charlie Goodrich, Dick Layton, Ernie Kinch, and Tom Vail. He was predeceased by special friends Jim Price, Bobby McNaught, and Pete Raaymann. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Sandra Jackson (William Thomas.) Calling hours will take place at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St. Walton, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM on Thursday February 23rd. Funeral Services will be held on Friday February 24th at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, at 4:30 PM. Following the service at church, the family will be gathering at the Walton Vet’s Club, 10 Park Ave., Walton where all are invited to attend. Please bring a dish to pass. There will also be a celebration of Sim’s life at a date, time and place to be announced later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate to the Danielle House, 160 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905