Joel Elliott Jackson

After a two year battle with pancreatic cancer, Joel Elliott Jackson, 51, passed away at his home on June 16, 2011, sorrounded by family and friends. Joel, the son of the late Jim and Mary Jackson, was born on Nov. 11, 1959. A 1977 graduate of Perryville High School, he was employed as a meter technician for Elkton Gas. An avid musician, Jackson spent his early years playing bass guitar with his band Bad Moon and later with his son as part of the Bubby Jackson Band. He loved the Ravens, golfing, and a really good joke. But what truly defined Joel's life was the love he had for his family. After the birth of his three sons, he coached little league, started Predators Wrestling Team in Cecil County and even in the final months of his fight with pancreatic cancer, could still be found cheering on the sidelines at his granddaughter's tee ball games. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his second grandson, Gavin. His was a life lived to the fullest, but taken too soon. Joel is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 30 years, Lisa Lackson; son Ryan Jackson and his wife Raven, son Bubby Jackson and his wife Lauren and son Dustin Jackson; sister Janie Betz and her husband Butch, sister Joanann Swift and his brother Jimmy Jackson; niece Lynn Moran and her husband Todd and nephew Michael Betz and his wife Julie; brother-in-law Harry Luff, Jr. and sister-in-law Terry Burcham; his aunt Star Greer and her husband Wilford; cousins Jacqueline and Steve Russell. Joel was the very proud pop-pop of cherished granddaughter Riley Jackson and also to his grandson Jordan Jackson, who preceded him in death. He also leaves behind his special little buddy, cat Tippy. A memorial service with be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 at Jane's United Methodist Church in Rising Sun. Friends and family may call one hour prior. The family requests memorial contributions be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in care of the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.