Funeral Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 09-23-2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories 1520 East Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Date: 09-23-2025
Time: 09:00 AM
Time: 09:00 AM
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Obituary
Don Eldon Jackson departed life at home on September 12, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois, where he was born on November 25, 1935, the son of Myrtle Scott and Rufus Jackson, Sr. Don graduated from Lanphier High School in 1953, and he continued his education at Lincoln Land Community College while working part-time at various jobs. Shortly after, in 1954, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, and his last duty assignment was to the 1283rd Squadron serving in Frankfurt, Germany as a Communications Ground Equipment Radio Repairman. Don received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his honorable service to the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1957, Don returned to Springfield, but not for long, as he was destined to look for greater opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Don found employment as a guard at the U.S. Capitol Building and later working for various federal government agencies. He also found the love of his life, Maggie Carthorne, from Darlington Heights, Virginia, whom he met by introduction from a mutual friend and cousin of Maggie. They were married on September 8, 1962. Don started his small family with Maggie in Washington while he shaped his career at the Interstate Commerce Commision. In 1971, Don, Maggie, and their two sons moved to Evanston, Illinois, after Don accepted a job with the Chicago offices of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Don worked 11 years for the ICC, and he made numerous lifelong friends during his employment. In 1982, he began working at Robinson Bus Enterprises in Evanston as a manager focusing on contract negotiations and business expansion. Don found success in his managerial role helping expand Robinson Bus Lines into several new areas including Detroit, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Don was well known in his neighborhood, and he became president of the South West Evanston Associated Residents (SWEAR) to increase residential participation in maintaining a more vibrant neighborhood. He loved hosting holiday barbeques, and he always provided his leadership at neighborhood block parties. The neighborhood youth, including his sons, could hear him from a block away when he visited with neighbors or walked the neighborhood. During their homestead in Evanston, they often hosted younger relatives who were on their own journeys, but they knew Don and Maggie would always provide love and support.
In 1994, Don and Maggie retired to Chesapeake, Virginia, where the winters were much more conducive to enjoying Don’s passion for Jaguar cars. He bought his first Jaguar when he lived in Evanston, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Don became active in the Virginia Jaguar Club as a trained concours judge, a rally and show participant, and as a host for club socials. He often showed his cars in Virginia, and at other Jaguar Clubs of North America events. His oldest Jaguar, a 1961 MK IX, won first place at the national level in 2017.
Don found employment as a guard at the U.S. Capitol Building and later working for various federal government agencies. He also found the love of his life, Maggie Carthorne, from Darlington Heights, Virginia, whom he met by introduction from a mutual friend and cousin of Maggie. They were married on September 8, 1962. Don started his small family with Maggie in Washington while he shaped his career at the Interstate Commerce Commision. In 1971, Don, Maggie, and their two sons moved to Evanston, Illinois, after Don accepted a job with the Chicago offices of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Don worked 11 years for the ICC, and he made numerous lifelong friends during his employment. In 1982, he began working at Robinson Bus Enterprises in Evanston as a manager focusing on contract negotiations and business expansion. Don found success in his managerial role helping expand Robinson Bus Lines into several new areas including Detroit, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Don was well known in his neighborhood, and he became president of the South West Evanston Associated Residents (SWEAR) to increase residential participation in maintaining a more vibrant neighborhood. He loved hosting holiday barbeques, and he always provided his leadership at neighborhood block parties. The neighborhood youth, including his sons, could hear him from a block away when he visited with neighbors or walked the neighborhood. During their homestead in Evanston, they often hosted younger relatives who were on their own journeys, but they knew Don and Maggie would always provide love and support.
In 1994, Don and Maggie retired to Chesapeake, Virginia, where the winters were much more conducive to enjoying Don’s passion for Jaguar cars. He bought his first Jaguar when he lived in Evanston, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Don became active in the Virginia Jaguar Club as a trained concours judge, a rally and show participant, and as a host for club socials. He often showed his cars in Virginia, and at other Jaguar Clubs of North America events. His oldest Jaguar, a 1961 MK IX, won first place at the national level in 2017.