John Charles "Charlie" Jackson

John Charles Jackson, better known as Charlie, was born to John Franklin and MariJane (Lusch) Jackson, in Columbus, Ohio, on March 12, 1939, at University Hospital. His sister Joyce had been born in 1934. He grew up in the Clintonville section of Columbus, a city he lived in his entire life. He attended Crestview Elementary and Junior High School, North High School, and Ohio State University. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a Double Major in Social Studies. Later studies toward a Master of Arts in History took place during his teaching career. Charlie taught at West Mansfield, Ohio where he was the social studies department, coached junior high and freshman basketball, supervised the safety patrol, lunchroom, and playground, and directed the junior class play. The remainder of his career of 30 years was at Grandview Heights Junior High School, where he taught Ohio History, United States History, and some Geography, while doing some coaching. His youth had prepared him for this varied activity through newspaper carrying since the age of six, summer work in college at Columbus Coated Fabrics, and three years as a page at the Beechwold Branch of the Columbus Public Library. Charlie was married to Elaine Alice Swartz, of Columbus, from1962 until her death in 1988. Elaine was an elementary teacher in the Columbus Public Schools. While there was no issue she and Charlie did well by many pets. Charlie married his second wife Carol Tiggelbeck, also a Columbus elementary teacher, in June of 1990. They also had no children, but Carol added a Shih Tzu to the three cats Charlie had. From his youth, Charlie belonged to a number of organizations. He was a member of Crestview Presbyterian Church until the 1980's when he transferred to North Broadway United Methodist Church. He served as an usher at both and on the governing boards at each. As a youth, Charlie belonged to the Link fraternity in high school. At Ohio State he worked in the Freshman Senate office, participated in Republican political activities on campus, and the Block "O" cheering section at the football games. During his teaching career he was a member of the Grandview Heights Education Association (president), Central Ohio Teachers Association, Ohio Education Association, and National Education Association. His connection with fraternal organizations includes University Lodge F. A. and M. 631; Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus; Aladdin Temple Shrine; and Tri-Village Shrine. His ties to his alma maters include membership in The Ohio State University Alumni Association (life member), Polar Bear Alumni Association, and the Old North Hi Club. After retirement, his professional connections were life membership in the Franklin County and the Ohio retired teachers’ associations. At his wife Carol's urging, he took the test for Mensa and was accepted. Among his awards were the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholarship in 1968, and the Career Teacher Award of 1995 from The Ohio State University College of Education Alumni Society. He was also honored through his inclusion in seventeen different Who's Who and like compilations starting in the early 1990's. They are as follows: Community Leaders of America, Dictionary of International Biography, 5000 Personalities of the World, International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, International Leaders in Achievement, Men and Women of Distinction, Men of Achievement, Outstanding People of the 20th Century, Personalities of America, 2000 Notable American Men, 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 20th Century, Who's Who Among American Teachers, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in the Midwest, Who's Who in the World, and World Intellectuals of 1993. Charlie's interests go back to his youth. His reading has been voracious, from the classics to the material on soup cans. As a youth he participated on football and basketball teams in the community. Continued development in these areas was limited by two minor problems, talent, and speed. This did not prevent him from becoming his father's constant companion at Ohio State football games, beginning in 1946. Only his father's death in 1974 ended their collaboration. But over the years, Charlie has missed only four Buckeye home games, and at one time he had seen over 200 in a row. In his high school years, he began to dabble in golf and tennis. Many would say he still dabbles. In tennis he plays competitively, with a tedious baseline game. He has been fortunate to share his football enthusiasm with his present wife, who is more vocal and manic about the Bucks then he. They also share a joy in the theater and dining, where their taste and interest might said to be diverse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Broadway United Methodist Church.

John Charles "Charlie" Jackson

March 12, 1939 - August 7, 2025