Allan Joe Jackson

IN MEMORY OF: Allan Joe Jackson Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAIRO 4815 Sycamore Street, Cairo, Illinois Allan Joe Jackson was born 26 January 1945 in Harrisburg, IL. His parents were Earl and Virginia Evelyn (Morton) Jackson. He graduated from Mound City High School in 1963. He was employed as a broadcast engineer and general manager for Sangamon Broadcasting, first at WTAX-WDBR in Springfield, IL and later and WDAN-WDNL in Danville, IL. He also worked as a broadcast engineer at Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, D.C. As part of the engineering and operations staff at WTAX AM/FM in Springfield, Joe was instrumental in developing an automated radio system for the FM station in the late 1960s. His most significant contribution to the station occurred on January 14, 1972, when WTAX-FM became WDBR, further developing it as a totally independent station from its AM counterpart. WTAX-FM was redeveloped as a contemporary music station using a more sophisticated and extensive automation system airing a syndicated format. At that time, Joe was promoted to WDBR's station manager position. A year later, he further developed a "live" sounding contemporary music format using a state-of-the-art automation method with local DJs, helping WDBR become a leading station in central Illinois. In mid-1977, when Sangamon Broadcasting purchased WDAN/WMBJ in Danville, Illinois, he was named General Manager of the stations. By the end of 1977, he guided the transformation of WMBJ to WDNL with a contemporary music format using an updated version of the automation system used at WDBR. Like WDBR, WDNL became the leading station in the Danville area. Meanwhile, he also used automation to improve WDAN to a news/information station. He would continue at the Danville stations through the mid 1980’s before leaving to work in radio in Terre Haute, IN, and eventually at VOA. Joe married Virginia Elaine Mitchell in 1962 and they were the parents of three children. They were divorced in 1987 and Joe later married Lisa Sue Switzer and Penelope Jane Steinert. Survivors include three children: Juliet (Johnetta) Jackson, Jill (Chip) Bulgin and Joshua (Kim) Jackson; six grandchildren: Mitchell Jackson, Austin Davis, Benjamin Jackson, Andrew Gluck, Christiana Bulgin and Garrett Bulgin; one great-grandchild, Remington Davis; a sister, Mary Anne (Donald) McGinness and a nephew, Charles McGinness. He was predeceased by his parents. The remains will be cremated and a private service will follow at a later date. Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

Allan Joe Jackson

January 26, 1945 - February 13, 2025