Paul Jackson was born 13 August 1923, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Yefto and Milosova Jaksich, immigrants from Serbia, Yugoslavia, 1890.
I was raised, educated and developed my strong Midwestern work ethic in Sioux City. I graduated from Central High School in January 1942. I have attended Western Iowa Tech Community College, Morningside College, National Business Training School and Weaver School of Real Estate.
I enlisted in the United States Navy in November of 1942, and a Veteran of World War II. I trained as an Emergency Medical Field Technician and was assigned to the United States Marine Corps on the Islands of Tutuila and Nukufetau with the Headquarters and Service Company, 4th Marine Brigade from April of 1943 until April of 1944.
I was re-assigned to the Destroyer U.S.S. Shaw (DD-373) from April of 1944 until July of 1945 participating in the invasion and recapture of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, Leyte, Cebu, Ormoc Harbor, and Manila in the Philippine Islands. Encountered first Japanese suicide planes, and had three naval engagements with the Japanese Navy, and the sinking of the last Japanese warship (Hinoki) east of Cebu Island in the Philippines. I received an Honorable Discharge 11 November 1945, as Petty Officer 2nd Class.
I served with one man from Sioux City, Joe Audino, Sr. on the U.S.S. Shaw. He has since passed away.
I have service-connected disabilities from military service during World War II in the South Pacific Theater of War. I also survived a typhoon en route to the Philippine Islands.
I enlisted in the Iowa National Guard as a Staff Sergeant of a .30 caliber machine gun company in Sioux City serving with Company H, 133rd Infantry Regiment in 1956. Served on the Sioux City Chamber of Military Affairs Committee.
Served as Chairman of City Board of Trustees of the Sioux City Museum, Woodbury County Republican Chairman, Commander Monahan Post 64 of the American Legion, and presently a member of Morningside American Legion Post 697.
Served as Little League Baseball Manager for 16 years and on the Board of Directors. Promoted construction of Little League baseball fields at Pulaski Park. Served as State Director of Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament and organized the first Teen Queen contest in America here in Sioux City. Was co-founder of the T-Shirt Baseball program in Sioux City.
Served as 6th District AARP Vote Congressional Coordinator, Counselor for the Youth Job Corps in Siouxland. Appointed to Governor’s Study Commission on “Youth and Crime” and organizer of the “Back the Cops” program that received national attention 1969-70. Coordinated effort with Govenor Terry Branstad to bring the Iowa Welcome Center to Sioux City. Created interest in the Dakota Dunes originally with suggestion of a tri-state trade Center (IA-NEB-DAK) on this property.
Former member of the Downtown Rotary Club for 20 years and served as Program Chairman for eight years and was presented with the “Paul Harris Fellow” honor by eight Past Rotary Club Presidents. Guest included former Secretary of State Al Haig, Vice President George H. Bush, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, Elizabeth Dole, Governor Bill Janklow, Congressman Fred Grandy, and many other nationally known celebrities. Charter member of Exchange Club where we produced Sports & Travel Show. Proceeds given to various charities - mainly the Salvation Army Red Shield Boy’s Club.
I am a fifty-year member of Morningside Masonic Lodge 615 and Sioux City Consistory as a 32 degree Mason, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. Received commendation for contribution to the Siouxland Handicapped by assisting building of wheelchair ramps as a member of the “Over the Hill Gang” in Sioux City. Received commendation as promoter of Citizens Flag Alliance. Served as coordinator of 5th Veterans Bowl at Heelan Memorial Field. Volunteer as Veteran’s Advocate to provide assistance to Veterans with disability claims and as “Honor Flag Presenter” for families of deceased Veterans at funerals. Supporter and contributor to the Sioux City Symphony for several years. Member St. Luke Lutheran Church, since 1951 - taught Sunday School, and was on the Church Council and Parish Education Building Committee; presently member of Augustana Lutheran Church. Support and contribute to the Carmelite Nuns, Carmelite Guild and “Queen of Peace.”
Retired after 38 years with Booth Fisheries Corporation (subsidiary of Sara Lee Corporation) on 22 January 1984. Served as Regional Manager in 1965 and served one year as National Sales Development Director. In 1951, was named National Frozen Food Distributor Salesman of the Year. Started the AAA Resume and Cover Letter Service in 1984 and retired from this operation in October, 1999.
Married Frances Greig on 24 May 1947. Celebrated 57 years of marriage in the year 2004. She retired 21 October 1995 as Word Processing Supervisor of the City of Sioux City, after 28 years. We have three married children (Judy, Dennis, and Jim) and five grandchildren (Paula, Shannon, Brandon, Nicholas, and Brent).
Submitted by Paul Jackson.
