Capt. Walter I. Jackson was a sharp thinker and an expert in the aviation industry. A commercial pilot for more than thirty years, he was known to uphold high standards of ethics and integrity.
“He cared about doing the right thing,” said Bob Stimpson of Fayetteville, a line captain at Delta Air Lines, who referred to Jackson as a mentor and friend. “He was a great advocate for the line pilot and the public we serve. Walt leveraged his Eastern [Air Lines] career and his time at the FAA with straight-talk and honesty,” he said, in reference to Jackson’s most recent work with the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation safety inspector in the Delta Air Lines Certificate Management Office. “I trusted his advice and listened when he spoke,” he said.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Jackson studied engineering and mathematics at Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he worked in ticketing and computer programming before he began a flying career as a pilot with Eastern Air Lines and a captain with Viscount Air Services. He maintained memberships with the Air Line Pilots Association and the Quiet Birdmen Atlanta Hangar.
His daughter Beth Day, of Lawrenceville, remembers the single-engine aircrafts her father flew while earning his pilot license, “He always teased me because I called those his ‘practice planes.’ I thought they were pretend airplanes,” she said with a laugh.
Walter I. Jackson, who recently battled pancreatic cancer, died Dec. 5 following a brief illness. He was 73. A life memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at Roswell Funeral Home, which is also in charge of arrangements.
Growing up as a pilot’s daughter was very exciting, said his daughter, adding that she was “fascinated by his exotic job,” and treasured the gifts he brought back from Canada and the Caribbean. Although his career often kept him away from home for a days at a time, Day says her father was very involved in her life, noting that she enjoyed the time they spent together during the two-week breaks between trips.
Harry Stillman of Canton, who worked with Jackson throughout his flying career and the FAA, appreciated his friend’s sense of humor. “When he made phone calls, he started with ‘Hey, old man,’ like he was the youngster,” Stillman said. The men, who were neighbors for a few years, also enjoyed a bit of friendly competition, buying pre-owned Porsche cars just months apart. Stillman said one day Jackson asked, “… Am I gonna have to buy a plane, too?” after he noticed a magazine with aircraft for sale in his mailbox.
A seventh grade Social Studies teacher, Day credits her father for her love of history, describing him as an avid reader, World War II history buff, and supporter of higher education. “He was diligent about my education and the importance of it,” she said.
In addition to his daughter, Jackson is also survived by a sister, Lois Jackson Gabrych of North Carolina; a brother Albert C. Jackson of Arizona, and two grandchildren.
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