Jim Jackson
by Pat Sides
James R. (Jim) Jackson was a fixture in Evansville’s theater community for several decades. A native of Missouri, he served in World War II and Korea before moving to California in the 1950s to pursue an acting career. There he met an aspiring actress, and after their marriage, they eventually moved to Evansville, her hometown.
The Jacksons soon became involved in the Evansville Civic Theatre, Newburgh Playhouse, and other theatrical groups. Jim Jackson was directing the theater program at Indiana State University-Evansville in the 1970s when he met Tom Angermeier. Together they organized Repertory People of Evansville, which entertained theater fans on the second floor of the Old Courthouse for many years.
On the occasion of RPE’s 25th anniversary in 1999, Jackson and Angermeier were named Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest honor an Indiana governor can confer.
This photo of Jackson is from the RPE Collection at Willard Library.
