1954-2026
Charles Shawn Jackson, 72, of Mentor, Ohio, and formerly of Manchester, Michigan, Riverdale, New Jersey, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away after a brief illness on September 13th, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital Fairhill in Cleveland, Ohio.
Known to his friends as Charlie and to his family as Shawn, he was born on January 13th, 1954, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, as the 4th child of his parents, the late Paul Willard and Georgia Anne Jackson. Charles is survived by his wife Laura Milliff of Mentor, Ohio and his son Shawn Jackson (Katie Russ) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, his siblings Ralph Edward of Alger, Francis (Katherine) of St. Cloud Florida, Sarah Williams of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Erma (Earl) Davis of Eloy, Arizona, William of St. Cloud, Florida, Betsy (Dennis) Johnson of Bellefontaine, and Samantha (Tim Baker) of Urbana, also his sister in law Cathy Jackson of Bellefontaine, a special cousin who he thought of as a brother Timothy (Tamela) Kohler, and Aunt Judy Kohler of Opp Alabama, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his well-loved dogs Shilo, Nikki, Sage, Bailey, and Madison. He is preceded in death by his first wife Judy Ann Jackson and siblings Rachel Bollas-Ramsey, Joseph (Pam) Jackson, Amy (Billy) Brown, and George Jackson.
After graduating from Bellefontaine High School in 1972, Charlie worked as a toolmaker before meeting his first wife, the late Judy Ann Jackson (née Ballard), and enlisting in the Army as an electronics specialist. The two married in 1977, and while stationed in Augsburg, Germany, they welcomed their only child, Shawn Thomas Jackson, in December of 1978. After returning to the States in Riverdale, New Jersey, Charles continued working in electronics, installing computer systems and networks, eventually starting his own business while building a life with Shawn and Judy in a home built by Judy’s grandfather.
In 1998, he began building his and Judy’s dream home on his property in Manchester, Michigan, where he lived until Judy’s passing in 2018. In 2011, while living in Manchester, Charlie and Judy pivoted careers and took up farming, selling produce at local farmers’ markets and becoming master gardeners through Michigan State University. In 2019, Charlie married his second wife, Laura Milliff, and moved to Mentor, Ohio, where he continued to farm until his passing.
Charlie loved fishing, sharing the outdoors with his family, and visiting his family. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, a Scoutmaster, and provided mentorship to many. Charlie deeply believed in giving people second chances and providing opportunities to the marginalized. Incredibly generous with his time and resources, Charles touched many lives and brought levity, hugs, companionship, and empathy that will be deeply missed by those who loved and knew him.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie would have wanted you to pass it forward and help someone in need. Donations may be made in Charlie's name to Kiva, a non-profit microlending charity that provided Charlie with a loan to start his farm outside of Mentor and provides financial access to underserved communities across the globe (https://www.kiva.org/donate/supportus).
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, at 3290 OH-47 E at 2 pm. Casual dress is requested.
