NEW ORLEANS — Laundry industry veteran Wm. Blaine Jackson died May 9 here after a four-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was 74.
The family says he always wanted to serve others, and the laundry industry knew Jackson as a generous, kind, and overall great guy to be around and always gained some sort of detailed technical knowledge while around him.
He made many things better in the laundry industry throughout his 43-year career. He retired in 2015 from Kannegiesser ETECH, and his efforts were rewarded that year by TRSA with its Maglin/Biggie Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jackson had an unwavering passion for innovation and excellence and once served on the American Laundry News Panel of Experts.
Jackson was a veteran of the U.S. Army, entering the service in 1970. After basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, he served in Germany, elevating to Specialist 5 position. He stayed busy playing football and softball with his fellow soldiers.
Years later, Jackson’s love of sports kept him on the sidelines of endless soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball, and football games for his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, and fur babies Lexie and Sophie who reside in New Orleans.
Jackson’s legacy continues to live on in his children in the Cincinnati area, Mia (Tim) Neckel, Tony (Angela) Jackson, Monica (Kenyon) Commins, and son-in-law Steve Risola (husband of late daughter Michele).
He is also survived by his former wife, Beverly Redmond-Jackson.
Jackson’s Celebration of Life will be June 25 at 2 p.m. at the 611 Gathering Place in Harrison, Ohio. The family says all are welcome to this open house for food, beverages, throwback pictures and amazing stories. RSVP here.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jackson’s name.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
