EAST MADISON – Alfred Jackson, Jr. of East Madison, took his last breath here on Earth on Nov. 15, 2021 as long-term health problems finally became too much. Alfred was born July 31, 1927 in Solon, the second of eight siblings, to Alfred Jackson, Sr. and Stella Harwood Jackson.

His early school years were spent in Solon, then he attended Morse High School in Bath before enlisting in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, during the later phase of World War II.

Upon returning from his stint in the service, Alfred came home to Solon and renewed his acquaintance with Dassie Marie Andrews, who became his Mrs. Jackson for the next 65 years. They shared a dream of having a family farm and bought 45 acres in Madison, on the East Madison Road. Alfred and Dassie built their first little home on the property in 1951, learning as they went, and that little house later became a garage, then moved a few miles up the road to be transformed into a lakeside camp.

Alfred started work for the old Hollingsworth & Whitney logging company in 1951 “working in the woods” and worked his way up to being a maintenance supervisor for Scott Paper Company when they took over the smaller company. He worked on all the heavy equipment of the woodland division and learned about the new machines that were being introduced to the logging industry. He retired after nearly 40 years.

In 1953 Alfred and Dassie welcomed a daughter, Judith, to the farm. She would be their only child. As the years rolled by, they added to the farm until they owned 220 acres, and together built a larger home, several barns, storage sheds, and a big garage. The garage housed Alfred’s variety of mechanical projects. He could build or fix most anything! His favorites were his prized Model T Fords that he rescued from barns and stone walls, restored to like new condition and took on the road for many tours and parades. He also loved anything named John Deere, and as a hobby refurbished old tractors, until at one point the former cow barn was filled with 20 vintage farm vehicles.

The barns were home to a constantly changing collection of cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, and of course Judy’s ponies and horses. Alfred was most proud of his Hereford herd that he and Dassie built up to about 20 breeding animals at one time.

While both working full-time jobs, Alfred and Dassie created a nearly self-sufficient enterprise at the farm, raising most of their own food and heating their home with wood harvested on the property. Up until almost the age of 90, Alfred could still be found splitting (with the splitter he designed and fabricated himself!) and stacking his massive woodpile, usually at least year ahead of time.

A favorite memory of Alfred’s was the trip to Alaska he and Dassie took when they both retired. Over 6,000 miles was put on their camper and many unforgettable sights for two avowed “homebody” types!

Retirement found Dassie up to her ears in research on local history and family genealogy, to the point where all the material needed a home of its own. Thus came about the origin of the East Madison Historical Association. Alfred and Dassie drummed up support in their little community and contributed major funding, not to mention countless hours of “sweat equity” to construct the original building, and later the barn, to house the collections. At almost 90 years old, Alfred was holding 8×8″ beams in place for his buddy Gary Malbon to nail into place. The EMHA has become a true center for the community.

In 2017 Alfred, wanting to preserve his property as natural open space for the future, donated 180 acres of the farm to Somerset Woods Trustees and was recognized for his conservation efforts. The tract is known as Jackson’s Woods.

Alfred is survived by his daughter Judy and grandson Jonathan “JJ” Sarapas of South Portland; sisters Marion Chase of Waterford and Margaret (Roger) Twitchell of Oxford, sister-in-law Joan Jackson of Otisfield, brother Richard Jackson of Harrison, half-sister Andrea Hopkins-Nash of Jeffersonville, Vt.; and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the members of the East Madison community who helped and supported Alfred in his later years so that he could stay in his beloved home nearly to the very end. Sue and Eric Lahti, Jim Pinkerton, Patty Clement, and many others who would stop by to check in were his lifeline! And thank you to Dr. Lambke and the caring staff at Redington-Fairview Hospital.

Burial and a remembrance gathering will in the Spring.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

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