MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Billy Joe Jackson, age 65, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2014, in a Saint Helena hospital.

He was born in Smackover, Arkansas on Aug. 29, 1947.

He was the son of Wayne and Mildred Jackson of Malvern, Arkansas, the brother of Wayne Jackson of Middletown and Sharon Jackson of Davis, Calif.

He married Diana Lynn Jackson in Long Beach, Calif., 45 years ago.

Billy graduated from Long Beach Woodrow Wilson High School in 1967. He was drafted into the Army in 1969.

He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War with the 538th Engineer Company (LC).

Later, he worked as a rough neck, mechanic, welder, truck driver, rancher, cowboy and steam plant property manager.

His biggest joy has been his grandsons William and Jordan.

He is remembered for his gentle kindness, good old boy attitude, helpfulness and humorous story telling.

Billy is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diana Jackson of Middletown; daughters, Sadie Giordanengo of Middletown and Stacey Herner and her husband Chris of Tacoma, Wash.; son, Steven Jackson and his wife Summer of Monterey; grandsons, William Jackson and Jordan Giordanengo; brother, Wayne Jackson of Middletown; and sister, Sharon Jackson of Davis.

The family would like to thank the First Baptist Church of Middletown, Twin Pine Casino and Middletown Lion’s Club for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Middletown Lion’s Club beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Military honors will be rendered by the United States Army under the auspices of the Lake County Funeral Honors Team.

Please share your memories of Billy by signing his on-line guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .