WALTON - Simon James "Sim" Jackson, of Walton, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, following a long illness.

Sim was born in Beerston, on Feb. 26, 1947, to S. Graham and Evelyn Lake Jackson.

He attended Walton schools and graduated from Walton High School in 1965. During high school he was very active in music and played varsity football. He also participated in Drama Club plays and was student government leader.

He attended Muskingum University on a music scholarship and received a business degree from Delhi Agricultural College.

He served his country as a Marine from 1967 to 1970, including a year in Vietnam. He served in a Naval Security Unit in various African countries.

Sim served as a veterans counselor for New York State for 26 years, working out of Sidney and Oneonta. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help his fellow veterans receive the benefits they deserved for serving their country. Hundreds upon hundreds of veterans can attest to his dedication to the job that he loved.

Sim was an outstanding musician, singer and entertainer. He DJ'd hundreds of parties, reunions and other social events over the years. During high school he was a part of a musical group named the Mustangs.

Sim was also a long distance runner for about 15 years. He ran full marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon. He was also an avid golfer over the years, and played on many famous courses. On his trip to Scotland he played at the world-famous St. Andrews course.

He was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in March of 2022. He fought bravely, as we all knew that he would, but succumbed to the disease on Feb. 11 of this year.

Sim was predeceased by his parents and an older brother, William Thomas Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; stepdaughter, Megan; brothers, David (Carol), John (Karen), and James (Ellen); many nieces, nephews and cousins, and special friends, Steve Houck, Charlie Goodrich, Dick Layton, Ernie Kinch, and Tom Vail. He was predeceased by special friends, Jim Price, Bobby McNaught, and Pete Raaymann.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sandra Jackson (William Thomas.)

Calling hours will take place at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23.

Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m., Friday Feb. 24, at Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend St.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Danielle House, 160 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905.

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com.