GERALD E. JACKINS, HOULTON – Gerald E. Jackins, 86, passed away Monday, September 3, 2018, at Madigan Estates. He was born September 3, 1932, in Houlton, the son of Melbourne and Mabel (Eacrett) Jackins.
Gerald was born at Lincoln Street in Houlton, where he would continue to live for the next eighty years. He graduated from Houlton High School in 1950, and later on June 10,1952, from Ricker Junior College with an associate degree in science. In May of 1953, Gerald married Rose Marie Adler and together they would raise three daughters. Gerald worked at the A&P and then he worked at J.C. Penney for thirty-five years before retiring as assistant manager.
He was a past Boy Scout Leader Troop 157 who climbed Mt. Katahdin twenty-three times, Jaycees, Fish and Game Club, and a lifelong member of the Church of the Good Shepherd where he had many duties. Gerald enjoyed picking potatoes, apples, but especially fiddleheads. Gerald over the course of many years picked and sold about ten ton of fiddleheads. He also delivered Meals for ME, collected coins, gardened, fished, hunted as well as exciting trips to Alaska, and Hawaii. Gerald also enjoyed the times at his hunting camp in Haynesville, and the family camp at Brackett Lake.
He is survived by three daughters, Claudia Blanchette and her husband, Jim, Crystal Jackins, and Gail Jackins; four grandchildren, Aaron Blanchette and his wife, Jenny, Josh Blanchette, James Bailey and his wife, Eleanor Lewin, Ryan Bailey and his wife, Katie; as well as two great-grandchildren, Lilah Blanchette and Abram Lewin. He also leaves behind a brother, Eugene Jackins and his wife, Delores. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Rose Marie Jackins, and an infant brother, Dean Austin.
Funeral services were conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Church Of The Good Shepherd with the Rev. Robert Ficks III officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery and immediately followed the service. The family invited relatives and friends to a reception at Watson Hall.
Those who wish to remember Gerald in a special way may make gifts in his memory payable to the Church of the Good Shepherd or to the Houlton Humane Society in c/o Dunn Funeral Home 11 Park St. Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences may be expressed on the tribute wall at www.dunnfuneral.com.
