Neil Darwin Jackson, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 21, 2020. Born August 10, 1935 the son of Neil Donald and Grace Jackson. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Tutuila based in Norfolk Virginia and learned the welding trade. He loved his country. His lifelong passion was working the farm that had been in his family for generations with his father and later his children. He worked as a welder at Surge Industries and Nissan Forklift. He retired from Nissan in 2007 with 20 years perfect attendance. Not a day missed or late for 20 years. His work ethic was incredible. He enjoyed going to auto racing with his sons, throwing the frisbee for his wonderful dog Sadie and tinkering with his Farmalls and many Chevys. He loved and was so proud to be Papa to his 5 grandchildren. They loved to laugh with him as he was quite a character.Darwin was an outstanding father figure to his 3 children and always put everyone before himself. He will be remembered by everyone he met as a proud and humble man with a generous and quiet nature. Maybe just a little bit of a rebel.Survivors include children Jeffrey (Tamara) Jackson of Roscoe, Jennifer Freisner of Parker CO and Curtis Jackson of Poplar Grove, grandchildren Tyler, Allison, Haden, Erika and Amy and beloved pup Sadie. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Audrey (Linder) Jackson, parents Neil and Grace, brothers Lawrence, Donald, Nathan and sisters Grace Ellen, Marilyn and Wilma. A celebration of Darwin's life is planned for a later date. A graveside ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at East Bonus Cemetery, 10200 Woodstock Rd., Garden Prairie, IL 61038. To leave the family a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.