Paul J. Jackson, 72, of Washington, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born September 7, 1953 in Peoria to the late John L. and Gertrude W. Koch Jackson. He married Patricia Gall on July 5, 1975 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in

Washington.

Surviving is his wife, Patty; their children, Nicholas (Amber) Jackson, Benjamin Jackson, Whitney (Cody) Young, Elliot Jackson, and Maggie (Ryan) Minton; eight grandchildren, Alex, Vanessa, Quentin, Olivia, Lydia, Kelsey, Brayson, and Cash; two great-granddaughters, Avayla and A'Nylah; his siblings, Jackie Hines, Mary Frazier, Betty (Dan) Ekstrand, and Ben (Karen) Jackson; and his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Jackson.

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Larry Jackson and his wife Annette, and John C. Jackson.

Paul worked for Caterpillar, retiring after 46 years in various roles. During his time at Caterpillar, he was very active in UAW Local 974. For the last year, he was a bus monitor for Central Grade School; the students he served were very close to his heart and he made a great impact on them. He loved spending time with his family, and especially loved the annual spring trip to Orange Beach, AL with his kids and grandkids.Watching the Bears game or taking in a good book were other pastimes. He had a wry sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice, both of which will be missed. Paul will be remembered as an encourager, a devout Catholic, and a hard worker.

A memorial Mass for Paul will be held at 2:00pm Monday, January 19, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. Visitation will be from noon-2:00pm Monday,

January 19, 2026 at the church. A gathering will follow at VFW Post 9016 in Washington. Private inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick School.