Jackson left a consequential legacy through his involvement with ILMA. He served as ILMA president from 1997 to 1998 and inaugurated the ILMA Foundation scholarship program in 1998. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 to 221 students. One of the scholarships, named for Jackson, supports graduate students doing research in the field of tribology.

“Bob’s engagement with ILMA has left a lasting mark on the Association, the industry, and hundreds of bright young people,” said ILMA CEO Holly Alfano. “We have lost an exemplary member of the lubricants industry, as well as a valued friend and colleague.”

A U.S. Navy veteran, Jackson joined the family business in the 1970s and later became the owner and operator of Illinois Oil Company in Rock Island, Illinois.