Charles R. Jackson

Age 84 of Wilmington, Illinois passed away December 20, 2023, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Born June 25, 1939, Charles Richard was a son of Harold A. and Helen Marie (Shramek) Jackson. He was raised in Wilmington; graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1957 and went on to attend Northern Illinois University.

On August 13, 1966, Chuck married Leslie Porterfield in the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington, and together they made a home and raised their family in Wilmington.

Chucks employment entailed working at US Steel, as well as with Wilmington Public Schools as a custodian. It was his part time assisting at Leslie’s grandfathers’ business H&H Nursery in Wilmington however, that planted the seed which later established Jackson Landscaping in Wilmington. Chuck started his business in 1981 and was currently working aside the next generations to serve his countless loyal customers near and far. For over four decades Jackson Landscaping has continued maintaining lawns, landscaping, and providing seasonal Christmas trees and greens.

Beyond his tireless work ethic and dedication to his business, Chuck was known as the "hardest working man in Wilmington." He earned the affectionate nickname "The Sod Father" due to his relentless commitment to his craft. Yet despite his busy schedule, Chuck always prioritized family above all else. He was a constant presence at his children's and grandchildren's school events and never missed an opportunity to show support. An avid fan of the Wildcats and Chicago White Sox baseball team, Chuck also enjoyed watching NASCAR.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Leslie; three children: Lisa (Kent) Keeley, Dayna (Jeremy) Haddon and Jeff (Dawn) Jackson, all of Wilmington; grandchildren: Becca (Cory) Acred, Brandon Keeley (Jayme), Kaylie Christensen, Brooklyn Haddon, Tanner Haddon, Jenna Jackson and Drew Jackson; six great grandchildren: Logan, Cole, Kylie, Braylen, Knox and Tinsley; two sisters: Beverly Horton of Largo, Florida and Lois (Chris) Smith of Wilmington; one brother, Edward (Marcia) Jackson of Creal Springs, Illinois, and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Douglas (Reba) Porterfield of Custer Park and Sandy Porterfield of Frankfort, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Alyssa Danielle Keeley; niece, Deborah Horton Jackson; brother-in-law, Richard Porterfield and sister-in-law, Jeannie Miller.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Wesley Cemetery, where Chuck will be laid to rest in the Jackson Family lot.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Chuck’s memory to his family for their distribution.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Chuck’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)