Kenneth Arnold Jackson

Kenneth Arnold Jackson, of Bluefield, WV, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Born December 7, 1933 in Bluefield, WV, he was a son of the late Ernest and Hattie Thomason Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Jackson, and Jack Jackson. Excelling academically, he graduated from Bluefield High School in 1950 at the young age of 16. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to the U.S., he met and married Tommie Jane Johnston on May 30, 1954. Kenneth earned a B.S. degree in Business from Concord College in 1958 and joined American Electric Power Company where he worked for close to 40 years. He enjoyed gardening and was especially proud of his beloved tomatoes. Like his father before him, he kept honeybees and was a member of the U.S. Beekeeping Association. His family and friends will truly miss his tomatoes and fresh honey. Kenneth loved Bluefield, and everything associated with it; family, friends, community, sports and faith. He attended Fincastle First Church of God in Bluefield, VA, where he served as Treasurer for many years. Kenneth will be remembered as a kind and loving person to all he left behind including his wife, Jane and three children, Ann Farmer (Steve) of Princeton, WV, Donald Jackson (Nancy) of Peachtree City, GA, and Sandra Weems (Joseph) of Yorktown, VA; a brother, James Jackson of Bluefield; seven grandchildren, Rhanda, Erica, Keith, Kelly, Ken, Ashlea, and Alyson; and seven great-grandchildren, Marjie, Chris, John, Conner, Caroline, Hallie. We take comfort in the words of Christ who says in John 11:25, “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Our life on earth is temporary, but eternity awaits. The family would like to thank Kenneth’s faithful caregiver who was a blessing in our time of need, Pastor Mike Barnes. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Barnes and Pastor Perry Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens where grandsons and relatives will serve as pallbearers and graveside rites will be performed by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Jackson family.