Robert C. Jackson

Longtime Fallbrook resident Robert C. Jackson died peacefully at his home Tuesday morning, October 13, after a long illness.

Robert was born January 3, 1920, in Pomona, CA, the eldest of three brothers. He attended Aurora College in Aurora, IL, where he married fellow student Betty (Watkins) Jackson.

During World War II, Robert flew 50 combat missions over Europe as the pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress. All 10 crew members survived the war, despite a crash landing on the island of Corsica after sustaining heavy enemy fire over southern France.

Bob was a fourth generation California citrus farmer. He moved with his family to Fallbrook in 1958 to grow lemons and avocados.

He helped his wife Betty establish and manage several retail businesses at what is now known as Jackson Square in Fallbrook. The Country Cover Gift and Garden Shop, the Caldron Restaurant and Square One Rest drew customers locally as well as from throughout the region.

Bob served as a board member and president of the Fallbrook Union School District and the Fallbrook Citrus Association.

He was a kind and friendly man who loved to laugh. He was well known and highly regarded by his many friends in Fallbrook for over 50 years.

Bob’s brother and naval aviator Ernest Jackson died during the war. Bob’s firstborn son, Jon Ernest Jackson (FUHS 1962), died in 1969.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jackson; brother Don Jackson and wife Jean of Carlsbad; son Reverend Calvin “Caddy” Jackson (FUHS 1964) and wife Janet of Bishop; daughter Elizabeth Zane (FUHS 1968) and husband Tim of Greenville, SC; and son James “Jamo” Jackson (FUHS 1973) of Rainbow. He is survived as well by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Friday, October 23, at Fallbrook United Methodist Church. Robert’s ashes will be spread at the Jackson Ranch, the land he loved.