Ida Mae Jackson, an only child, was raised by her widowed mother in Jefferson County, Illinois. Ida Mae’s father passed away when she was only nine, leaving her mother and herself to work the family farm on their own. Even though opportunities were few, Ida Mae was lucky enough to be able to enjoy the benefits of 4-H. This included sewing and food preservation.
Years later, this same woman married Harry Jackson and built a home on the same family farm that she grew up on. There they raised cattle, swine, chickens, and grain. Harry and Ida Mae were blessed with four children. In time, all the children were enrolled in 4-H and were ten-year members. As the children married, the 4-H tradition continued. One married another 4-H member, while the youngest met her husband when she was the summer intern for the 4-H advisor. The family grew and Ida Mae was blessed with nine grandchildren. She and her husband raised four in their home after the death of their father. The values of 4-H that were instilled with the family carried on as all nine grandchildren were 4-H members. The family continued to grow as seven great-grandchildren were added! Two of which participate in 4-H today. Family members may be few in numbers, but they are mighty in 4-H dedication.
As the road of life takes you in different directions, 4-H continues to be the compass. The career paths of the grandchildren were influenced by the projects that they exceled in. The Eade grandchildren were the first students accepted into the Georgia Governors Honors Program in Ag and Biotechnology without being in FFA. Their 4-H experience opened a door to help them select their future career in Agriculture. The entire family still relies on the skills learned through 4-H from cooking, sewing, livestock, and general projects. These skills are used to promote family and community by helping and hosting different events. One of the many highlights is definitely the fall apple butter making when family and community come together at the farm to fellowship.
Ida Mae passed away this summer at 93. Even at 93, Ida Mae was still actively involved with 4-H and she helped each year with the 4-H BBQ and attended the 4-H fair where she presented the family sponsored plaque to the winner of the tractor driving contest. She helped with 4-H workshops and WAS an active member of the Field unit of HCE. Her passion, dedication, and love for 4-H will be missed greatly; however, her legacy will live on forever with the family!
4-H has been a large part of this family’s life. It spans four generations, 146 years of 4-H membership, 47 years of club leaders, 111 years of volunteers, and 7 years of 4-H professionals. For the Ida Mae Jackson Family, 4-H is the way of life!
