Russell E. Jackson, 85, of Seneca, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Morris Hospital, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 31, at Stavanger Lutheran Church with Rev. Philip Peterson officiating.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles.  Burial will be in Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery.

Russ was born January 26, 1933, in Ottawa, to Marion and Ruth (Risk) Jackson.  In 1978, he married Beth (Wagenecht) James of Prophetstown, who survives.

Russ was a devoted member of Stavanger Lutheran Church where he had been a deacon and served on several other boards.  He served in the Army and was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado.  When he returned from the service, he farmed with his father and brother; and then later with his son and grandson.  He attended auctioneer school in Mason City, Iowa and he auctioned many farm sales and purebred sheep sales across the nation.  He raised Corriedale sheep and was the secretary/treasurer of the American Corriedale Sheep Association.  He lived and farmed his entire life on the Family Centennial Farm.

Russ is survived by his wife, Beth; two daughters, Marla (Jim) Darin of Morris and Shelly (Tom) Diss of Grand Ridge; one son, Randy (Sue) Jackson of Seneca; two step-daughters, Jennifer (Ron) Jacobs of Port Byron, IL and Stephanie James of Ormond

Beach, FL; one step-son, Scott James of Ballwin, MO; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his previous wife, Audrey Ugolini of Ottawa; and a brother, Robert Jackson of Seneca.

He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Stavanger Lutheran Church or the Seneca Food Pantry.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Trevor and Colton Jackson, Devin and Tanner Hill, Cody Diss, Brandon Pezanoski, Isaac Jacobs, and Shadley James.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com