Michael John Jackson

Michael John Jackson, age 41, of Wheeling and Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Mike was born on August 21, 1979 in Wheeling, and his parents are Gary and Mary Bosley.

Mike grew up as a survivor and a superstar athlete, as he filled the Ohio Valley with his infectious smile and athletic prowess. Mike lived his life as a strong man, a good son, a husband who loved, a dad who cared deeply, and a friend who epitomized Christ’s admonition concerning friendship that says, “No greater love is there, than to lay down one’s life for a friend.” Mike’s loyalty to those he was divinely called to care for is unrivaled. Above all else, Mike can be characterized as two things: A protector of those who cannot yet protect themselves, and a fighter against those who wished to bring others harm.

Mike’s journey of faith in Jesus Messiah was filled with stumbling blocks. Still, in times when Mike professed Jesus as being, “The Christ, the Son of the Living God,” and the times Satan had asked for Michael, “To sift him as wheat,” Mike always returned and strengthened his sisters and brothers. Perhaps, there is no one who knows more than Mike that the enemy prowls the earth looking for someone to devour, but Mike, in an atmosphere of vigilance, turned towards Jesus Messiah. While some prodigal sons come to their senses and come home with confession on their breath, and receive the Father’s ring, robe, and fattened-calf party in this life, there are those who receive the gifts of salvation among the great cloud of witnesses. Mike is among the latter. We look forward to seeing him again.

In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by his wife, Tonya Jackson and children Avriana Luckett-Jackson, Gavin Jackson, and Zoey Jackson of Morgantown, WV, and Angelina Shoffler Billings, Montana; and  fifteen brothers and sisters, John Carenbauer, III (Sue) Oakmont, PA, Zachary Carenbauer (Shelly) Wheeling, WV, Pete Stokic (Ivana) Kuwait City, Kuwait, Dejan Serdar (Ivana) Novi Sad, Serbia, Joshua Bosley (April) Bridgeport, WV , Anna Fonner (Jimmy) Greenville, SC, Clint Lekanudos Martins Ferry, OH, Vanja Serdar (Bethany) Camp Hill, PA, Natasha Haught (Howie) Bridgeport, OH, Chili Bosley (Lisa Crock) Wheeling, WV, Kesha Thompson (Cody) Colliers, WV , Emily Bosley (Dave Coles) Wheeling, WV, Marianne Stackhouse (Bill) Wheeling, WV, Melanie Bosley (Tyler Alford) Wheeling, WV, Ashley Powell, Philadelphia, PA; and Bonnie Jackson.

Services for Michael will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove, Wheeling WV, with visitation Friday, March 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., immediately followed by the 7:00 p.m. memorial service with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating.  Extended family and friends are invited to attend this service virtually on Tribucast at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/25339986

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to “The Source Skyview Elementary Lunchbox Program” 540 Fairmont Rd., Morgantown, WV 26501.