James Andrew "Andy" Jackson

November 20, 1972 - April 25, 2020

James “Andy” Jackson, age, 47, of Oskaloosa, passed away on April 25, 2020 at his home in Oskaloosa surrounded by his loved ones. He was born at the Mahaska County Hospital on November 20, 1972, the son of Jim and Deb Kay (Hittle) Jackson. He attended grade school in the Oskaloosa area and middle school in Burlington. He later attended Mediapolis Community High School. While he was a junior in high school, his daughter and forever sidekick, Danelle was born. Andy graduated with the Class of 1992. During high school he worked as a farm hand for Kenny Klenk. He also enjoyed hunting in his younger years. On October 5, 2013 he was united in marriage to Julie Jordan in Yarmouth, Iowa. Andy was a master of many trades. He worked several different jobs that entailed different skill sets. He worked as a miner at USG and in welding and maintenance at Hawkeye Fabrication. Andy was also a talented roofer and carpenter with Eberhardt Construction. His love for the Mississippi River brought him work at the grain elevator, filling river barges. Out of everything Andy did, his favorite job was being an ironworker at S & G Construction. Andy’s love for the river and fishing started with spending countless hours on his John boat and on the banks of the Skunk River with his father and later with the Mississippi River. He had a love for speed. Everything from boats to motorcycles, snowmobiles and especially his 4-wheelers, he always had them pushed to the limit. He had a special place in his heart for any square bodied, manual Chevy Pick-up Trucks. The louder the pipes, the better. He was always having fun and was living life to the fullest. He loved to sled on car hoods, crack a bullwhip and enjoyed knife/ tomahawk throwing and had a special love for his dogs, Colt and Emma. He was an avid Buck skinner who, at the age of 5, acquired the name “Little Baby Buffalo Bull Calf” by a tribal chief. Throughout his life, Andy always trusted his faith in the lord and later in life, he was baptized in Christ. Andy was a kindhearted man who had numerous friends. He didn’t know a stranger and always had a way to make everyone feel special and loved. It didn’t matter if you were a friend or family, he always had a hug and a kiss on the lips to show his affection. He was always respectable to everyone and could always be counted on for lending a helping hand to friends, family, neighbors or anyone who needed help. He would give the shirt off of his back and always ended his conversations with “If you need anything, call me”. Andy had a very special bond with his daughter, Danelle, who he lovingly called “punk”. Above all else he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Andy will be remembered for his wonderful smile, his ornery grin and his unmistakable loud whistling that let everyone around him know that “Action Jackon” was near. His family includes his daughter, Danelle Jackson of Grandview, IA; his mother, Deb Kay Carlson of Oskaloosa; the love of his life, Julie Jordon; a step-son, Eli Jordan; his sister, Crissi (Dan) Messer of New London, IA and Kcasey (Sarah) Jackson of Mediapolis, IA; three step-brothers, David, Steve and Scott Carlson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Andy was preceded in death by his father, Jim Jackson; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his step-father, Fred Carlson As was his wish, his body has been cremated and the family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family to be determined at a later date.