Hundreds expected at funeral of ex-Halesowen Harriers star

George was a talented semi-professional player for clubs across the borough in his younger years including Halesowen Harriers, Cradley Town, Lye Town, Oldbury United and Alvechurch FC.

Born in Ballymun, Ireland, the father-of-four and grandfather-of-seven lived in Southwick Road, Halesowen, for many years and tragically he suffered a major stroke in January on the day he and wife Wendy were moving into a new home in Quinton.

George Jackson, with wife Wendy

He never recovered from the debilitating stroke, which left him disabled, but after weeks in Sandwell General Hospital and two months in Russells Hall Hospital he was discharged with a care package to the couple's new retirement apartment to be at home with Wendy.

Sadly his condition deteriorated and he died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 12, aged 72.

His son Pete Jackson, a former professional boxer, described his dad as a "loving, kind, adorable man" and he said: "He worked so hard. He was well-respected. A lot of people loved him, it's left us heartbroken. I haven't taken it in yet."

George Jackson

Pete, former Midlands Area Super Middleweight champion, said he inherited his dad's fighting spirit to become a successful boxer, who was ranked in the top 15 in Britain at the peak of his career, while brothers Richard, Daniel and Neil followed in their dad's footsteps and played football at semi professional level.

George, a self-employed salesman for much of his life, is survived by his wife and four sons, seven grandchildren, and brothers Thomas and Paul and sisters Linda and Kitty.

His funeral will take place this Friday (December 17) at 11.30am at Rowley Regis Crematorium in Powke Lane, followed by a wake at Cradley Heath Sports and Social club.

Hundreds of family, friends and footballing pals are expected to attend.

Donations from the funeral will go to the Macmillan Nurses, the RSPCA and the Salvation Army and can be made via FP Gaunt & Sons Ltd, Blackheath.