James Awdry Jackson, 84

RHODESDALE - James Awdry Jackson, 84, known as "RJ" to his brothers and sisters, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2008 at Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge.

He was born on June 7, 1923 in Rhodesdale, the son of the late Noah James Jackson and Emma Jane Farrare Jackson.

James received his education in the public schools of Dorchester County. On May 5, 1958 he married Pearl Lee Hayes Jackson, his wife of 49 years, who preceded him in death on May 31, 2007.

On Aug. 15, 1949, Laborers' Internationals Union of North America Local 847 became chartered in Kent and Sussex Counties in the State of Delaware. He was initiated into that Local in 1950 as a Skilled Laborer, at the age of 27. He was known to his fellow union members as "Archie." At that time he became a foreman for J. Roland Deshields Construction Co. and completed the construction of the Beacon Mill in Laurel, Del.

In 1951, Archie went to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del. where he was a general foreman over the construction of the Hospital, Power Plant, school, additional runways and hangars. This was an ongoing project until 1955. In 1956, Archie was the general foreman over the initial construction of the Indian River Power Plant #1 in Millsboro, Del. This first phase was completed in 1960. From 1960-1966 Archie was a foreman for the DuPont Construction Company at the DuPont Plant in Seaford, Del. for the second phase of 501. In 1966, Healy and DiSabatino Construction Co. took over the construction at the DuPont Plant. At that time, Archie became the "first black supervisor" for local 847 and remained so until 1980. Archie continued his construction career with Interstate Amacite Co. until his retirement in 1986. Through the years Archie also held positions within Local 847 along with First Business Agent Raymond Clouser and Second Business Agent Charles W. Warren.

Upon his retirement, his pastimes included gardening, working on the farm, and selling produce at a local fruit stand in Linkwood. He enjoyed giving fruits and vegetables to his family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, and watching the Baltimore Orioles.

James joined the Zoar United Methodist Church and was an active member until his illness prevented him from doing so. At Zoar UMC, James was formerly the president of United Methodist Men, a member of the Board of Trustees, an usher, and a member of various choirs. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Doris Camper; one brother, Harold Jackson; one sister, Lenora Jackson, and one stepgrandson, Roy Davis III.

He is survived by, two sons, Eric Jackson (Patricia) of Baltimore, Garry N. Jackson (Vanessa) of Rhodesdale; seven grandchildren, including a granddaughter whom he helped raise, Yolanda Sampson of Rhodesdale; two stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Winfield Jackson (Rachel) of Rhodesdale, Keiford Jackson of Vienna; three sisters, Geraldine Dennis and Vatice Lewis, both of Rhodesdale, Bessie Mae Jones of Salisbury; a very special friend, Frances Williams, and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, at Zoar United Methodist Church in Rhodesdale with the Rev. Yvonne Wallace-Penn officiating. Friends may visit at the church tonight from 6-8 and from 9-11 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow at Reids Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Framptom Funeral Home, PA in Federalsburg.