William G. Jackson, 89, Hope

William G. Jackson, of Hope, Indiana, passed from this life at 1:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.

Bill graduated in 1954 from Burney High School where he competed in softball, basketball, baseball and track and received the Gerel E. Gibson Mental Attitude Award for sports. He participated in junior and senior class plays to raise money for senior trips and was secretary of his senior class.

In 1958, Bill earned a degree in business and physical education from Ball State University where he later received a master’s degree in Elementary Education Administration. He was social chairman of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. His first two years of teaching were at College Corner Elementary, a country school in Madison County in Anderson, Indiana where he taught sixth grade and coached basketball. In 1960, Bill moved to Kent School in Bartholomew County teaching language arts, health and P.E. in grades 6, 7 and 8. Bill moved to Newbern School in 1963 as principal and teacher of grades 7 and 8 where there were 12 eighth graders and 30 seventh graders. There was no indoor plumbing or cafeteria available, and heating was from a coal furnace. He coached basketball and track.

In 1965, Bill became the principal and a teacher at Rockcreek Elementary School and was there for ten years. During that time, two classrooms were added to the east end and two to the west end of the school. Another addition later was added which was a cafeteria, music room, library and office area. At that time, Newbern School was closed, and students went to Rockcreek School. Bill then became full-time principal.

Bill was transferred to Petersville Elementary School as principal in 1977 for two years and then finished the last 18 years of his education career teaching at Smith Elementary School. Bill retired in 1995 after 37 years of enjoyment working with various ages of young people and adults.

Bill was a member of East Columbus United Methodist Church where he served on several committees, coached a women’s softball team and was interim youth choir director. Recently Bill attended The Ridge. He was very active in and a member of the American Angus Cattle Association having been the president of Indiana State Angus Association as well as president of Southern Indiana Angus Association. Most of Bill’s life has revolved around Angus cattle, sports, and coaching sports of his four children. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity, Bartholomew County Cattlemens Association, Indiana Beef Cattle Association and was an avid Purdue University sports fan.

Born April 7, 1936, Bill was born the son of Bill and Jean Jackson of Decatur County. He married Janice Clevenger of Anderson, Indiana on June 7, 1958. Survivors include daughters, Debra (Gary) Davis and Kim (Kip) Bonnell; sons, Mark (Lori) Jackson and Greg Jackson all of near Columbus; grandchildren, Tyler (Caitie) Jackson, Connor (Becca) Bonnell, Kendall (Brian) Wichman, Kayla (Brandon) Henry, Carly (Jacob) Stiver and Nash (Sarah) Jackson; and great-grandchildren, Reese and Rylee Jackson, Carson and Kennedy Bonnell, Caroline Wichman, Colt and Remi Henry and Sailor and Scottie Ann Stiver. He dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Don (Linda) Jackson of Columbus and Gary Jackson of Greensburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Janice on August 4, 2023; and sister-in-law, Joy Jackson.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Pastor Gerald Hancock will officiate.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 11 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home. Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or The Ridge.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Jackson family at barkesweaverglick.com.