Michael G. Jackson, age 72 years, a resident of rural Belknap, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025, at 3:16 A.M. at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, Illinois.
Michael was born June 18, 1953 in Carmi, Illinois. He was the 2nd of 7 children born to Bud and Hazel (Robbins) Jackson.
On September 4, 2015, Michael was united in marriage to Beth Hutchison in Vienna, Illinois. They made their home in the Forman community, northeast of Belknap.
In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by: step-daughters – Olivia Botello and her 2 year old son, Zy, as well as Daniela (Henry) Bundren; his siblings – Jimmy (Donna) Jackson, T.A. (Becky) Jackson, Vickie Jones, and Lisa (Nathan) Linson all of Mt. Carmel, Illinois and Susie (Jerry) Taylor of Princeton, Indiana; a sister-in-law – Betty Jackson of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, a brother – Donnie Jackson, and a brother-in-law – John Jones.
Michael attended Mt. Carmel High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served as a tank commander. He was deployed in combat in all 3 Gulf Wars serving in Iraq. In 2008, he retired from the Army after 23 years of honorable service. After completing his military service, he moved to a small farm near Simpson in Johnson County. He began working as a bus driver for the Vienna Grade School. After driving the bus for a few years, Michael once again retired. More recently, he provided transportation for Amish families until the time of his passing.
Although Michael had some health concerns the last few years, he was always busy assisting his father-in-law on the farm. He loved to mow and take his grandson, Zy, for rides in the side-by-side all over his property. Michael was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed deer hunting and especially fishing.
Michael was a member of the former Christian Motorcycle Association (C.M.A.) as well as the Masonic fraternity.
Michael and Beth worshipped at Safe Harbor Ministries near Belknap.
A service honoring the life of Michael Jackson will be conducted Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025, at 1 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Richard Swiney will officiate.
Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11 A.M. until the service hour at 1 P.M. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Safe Harbor Ministries, 35 Heron Pond Lane, Belknap, Illinois 62908 or to The American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, Iowa 50037-0839 or online at www.redcross.org
Michael G. Jackson, 72
