James H. Jackson, 87, of The Villages, FL passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at The Villages Regional Hospital. Jim was born in and moved to The Villages from West Terre Haute in 1997. Jim was a graduate of Wiley High School where he participated in track, football, and basketball. He went on to pursue his education at the Indiana State Teacher’s College and completed his post graduate work at Indiana University. Jim was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Jim was highly involved with the West Terre Haute school community for 49 years. His time there included teaching, coaching, acting as the dean of boys, junior high, middle and high school principal. Upon his retirement, he was the West Vigo High School Principal. He was a member of the Indiana High School Principal Association, and upon his move to The Villages he joined the Indiana Club and the Palo Alto Club. He attended New Covenant United Methodist Church. His hobbies included golf, swimming, playing cards, dancing, and watching the Indiana University football and basketball teams as well as the Indianapolis Colts. Jim will be dearly missed by many for his fun loving competitive spirit and his love for life and his community. Survivors include his wife, Valada “Tootie” Jackson, two sons, Jeff (Louise) Jackson, Terre Haute, IN and John (Colette) Jackson, Franklin, IN, daughter, Jennifer (Jim) Likens, West Terre Haute, IN, son-in-law, Ron Terrell, Bloomington, IN, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill Terrell. A memorial service will be held at New Covenant United Methodist Church, Wed. December 18, 2013 at 8:30am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Jim’s memory. Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com.