James G. 'Jim' Jackson

Boonville- James G. Jackson, Sr., (The Old Man), 77, of State Rt. 12D, Boonville, passed away on November 19, 2021, at Rome Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side. Jim was born in Boonville, on August 9, 1944, the son of Handley and Leola Galarneau Jackson. Jim graduated from Boonville Central School. He married the love of his life, Diana Pfendler, on August 12, 1965. Together they operated their dairy farm for over 30 years. After retiring from dairy farming, Jim drove bus at Adirondack Central School for 12 years. He also drove milk truck and log truck. Most recently he enjoyed growing corn and soybeans as well as operating his trucking company serving many area farmers during harvest. Anyone that knew The Old Man knew his love of pulling all types of tractors, as long as they weren't green. He participated in Out of field, NATPA Antique, and NYSTPA Superstock pulls, traveling from Canada to Ohio. His love of local tractor pulling was expressed by him having a tractor at the Boonville Oneida County Fair Out of Field Tractor Pull for 50 consecutive years. To promote and share his joy of tractor pulling he organized and ran the Kids at Heart Garden Tractor Pullers, encouraging youngsters to discover the joy of pulling and providing families the opportunity to enjoy a hobby kids of all ages could enjoy. His encouragement of pulling and farming extended to many young farmers in the area. Jim is survived by his wife, Diana, their sons and daughters-in-law; James Jr. (Rebecca McCanney) and Donald (Rebecca Kulpa), all of Boonville; their grandchildren, Brittany (Jeremy Britton), Nichole (Lee Kraeger), Alexander and Christopher and great grandchildren, Aerilyn, Olin, Sophie, Micah and Kendall. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law; Handley, Jr. (Ann), Boonville; Robert (Sugar) Cheshire, MA; and Tom, Liverpool, NY, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 1-4 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where a Service will begin at the conclusion of the calling hours. Interment will be in Boonville Cemetery, at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the CNY Ronald McDonald House, 1100 E. Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 13210 (Rmhcny.org) or Make a Wish Foundation (Central New York), 5005 Campuswood Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057. (wish.org/cny) For an on-line message of sympathy please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com The family would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses, doctors and hospital staff at Rome Memorial Hospital for the care and services offered to Jim.