Melvin Jackman

Melvin L. Jackman

Age 83 of Rural Gardner, passed away Thursday November 20, 2014 at Morris Hospital.

Born January 5, 1931 on the family farm in Maine Township, rural Gardner, Melvin was a son of the late Roy and Fern (Palmer) Jackman. He was a 1949 graduate of Gardner - South Wilmington High School, and on April 20, 1952, Melvin married Norma Jean Born in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and honorably served stateside in an armored division from 1954 to 1956. Farming was in Melvin's blood from an early age, and he continued to operate the family farm and trucking company alongside his son Jim. Melvin was a member of the Grundy County Farm Bureau and in years past sold Bojac seed corn. The farm was Melvin's life and livelihood, and he also enjoyed attending auctions and farm shows. Family was very important Melvin, and he cherished spending time with those close to him.

Survivors include his son Jim "Poopsie" Jackman and grandson David (Randi) Jackman, both of Gardner; granddaughter Devan (Jason) Gagliardo of Coal City; two great grandsons: Easton William Jackman and Jack Melvin Gagliardo with another great grandchild expected in December; his son-in-law Bill Willet of Ottawa; sisters-in-law Vivian Finn of Dwight and Eileen (Melvin) Mill of Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, including his special cousin Joann Daniels.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Norma (2005); son Melvin William (1997); daughter-in-law Madeline (2009); sister Annabelle, and sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Thelma (Larry) Wickman and Bill Finn.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday November 23, 2014 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Monday morning November 24th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Dr. Roy Backus officiating.

Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Melvin will be laid to rest with his late wife Norma.

Pallbearers will be: David Allen, John D'Arcy, Mike Campbell, Paul Hintze, Kim Drechsel, Bill Willet and Leo Reeves.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Melvin's memory to the Community Foundation of Grundy County or the Grundy County Farm Bureau Foundation.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)