Obituary: James David Jackman

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

James David Jackman, a legend and hero to all who knew him passed away on July 2, 2023. He is survived by six children, Debby McColl of Traverse City, Cindy (Steve) Sutek of Peshtigo, Sandy Jackman-Aho of Negaunee, David (Lisa) Jackman of Fenton, Wendy (John) True of Negaunee and Jeff Jackman of Lake Linden. Grandchildren include Liz (Adam) Martinazzi, Jason McColl, Kelsey (Zack) Lossett, Kendra (Cody) Nelson, Dan (Jen) Aho, Amy (Codey) Gerarden, Kim (John) Snyder, Jimmy Cole, Justin Jackman, Brett Jackman, Josie Jackman, Mary True, Dylan Jackman, Emily (Michael) Funke, Hannah Jackman (Jordan Peterson), Jenna Jackman and numerous great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sweetheart of over 20 years, Dolores Basto.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Lobur) Jackman, parents Mae (Pearce) and John Jackman, brothers Jack and Jerry, daughter, Terry Jackman and lifelong buddy, Joe Rowe.

Jim was born in Calumet on August 20, 1932. After a stint in the United States Navy, he moved to the Detroit area where he met the love of his life, Mary, at the Clawson Roller Rink. They married on August 22, 1953 and moved to Calumet in 1954 where they raised their family. Jim did mechanic work for several years and owned Jim’s Spur Service in Osceola. But, his dream job was as owner and operator of the Narcosis Corner Dive Shop and Easy Diver Charters with his wife, Mary, through which he made friends who became family.  Jim always had a hobby and when he wasn’t able to do one thing anymore, he moved on to another. Skydiving, scuba diving, metal detecting, rock collecting, woodworking, photography, coin collecting, playing baseball with the neighborhood kids, and he also was an avid deer hunter his whole life. Treasure hunting in Lake Superior brought him a lot of enjoyment for many years. He was instrumental in developing the Keweenaw Underwater Preserve.  He was a past team member of Search and Rescue and has several body and boat recoveries on record. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lion’s Club where he received a Founders’ Club Award. In 2000, he was awarded the Sparkplug Award by the Keweenaw Tourism Council for his contributions to the community. A newspaper article once written about him was titled “An Adventurous Life” and that was certainly true!

Many daily visitors remember the Jackman family kitchen table fondly with homemade cookies, fresh coffee and many good stories. There are so many people that considered Jim a mentor or a father figure. His kindness, generosity, adventurous spirit and ambition toward life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements