James E. "Hep" Jackson, 78, of Carbon passed away on Saturday, evening October 5, 2002 at a Fort Worth hospital.  Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2002, at the First Baptist Church in Carbon with Rev. James Holt Officiating.  Burial was in the Murray Cemetery directed by Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.  The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday everning.

Mr. Jackson was born on March 16, 1924 in Eastland County to Archie and Jewel (Vaughn) Jackson.  He graduated from Carbon High School in 1942.  He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He married Jonell Wyatt on December 10, 1947, in Carbon.  He had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Carbon since July 30, 1944.  He was a farmer and rancher.

Survivors include his wife, Jonell Jackson of Carbon; two daughters, Linda Neeley and husband Curtis of Horseshoe Bay and Debbie Cox and husband Dan of Arlington; three brothers, Bob Jackson of Odessa, Dwaion Jackson and wife Doc of Fort Stockton and Drew Dan Jackson and wife Bertie of Cisco; three sisters, Lou Ann Griffith of Midland, Betty Jackson of Dallas and Patsy Sims and husband Henry of Graham; two grandchildren, Corey and Cody; and several nieces and nephews.

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.  I'm following the path God has laid you see.  I took His Hand when I heard Him call.  I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day.  To laugh, to love, to work or play.  Tasks left undone must stay that way.  I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys.  A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.  Oh yes, these things I too will miss.  Be not burdened with times of sorrow.  I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.  My life's been full, I savored much.  Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.  Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.  Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.  Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.  God wanted me now; He set me free!