Thursday evening Italy Boze Community Center was packed with citizens of Italy to thank Frank Jackson for his last 14 years of service as Mayor. City council members, friends and family were there to celebrate Jackson for the work he had done for the city.

The evening started out with a prayer and then ‘Dinner was served.’ There was quite a feast of brisket and all the ‘fixins.’ They even had two cakes for desert. Who could want more?

Citizens, friends and family took the podium and told Frank he would be missed and thanked him for a job well done. Dennis Perkins said, “We don’t want what Frank did for the city to be overlooked and we want him to know how much his hard work was appreciated. One of the reasons I ran for City Council was because of Frank. He encouraged me to do it and I am glad I did.”

Dr. Morgan Robnatt, long time friend of Jackson’s who also served under Frank as interim Chief of Police for four months, said, “Frank is probably one of the most important people in my life. I was hired on as interim Chief of Police for Italy for 60 days but I stayed for 120 days. Out of my 51 years in police work those 120 days were the most pleasurable because of Frank Jackson. City of Italy is loosing something when they let him go.”

Terri Murdock tearfully said, “When I first started working for the city Frank made me feel very welcomed and treated me as part of the family. We didn’t always see ‘eye to eye’ actually we went ‘nose to nose’ a lot but we were always on the same team. I have never been so proud to serve under a man in my life.”

Judge Jackie Miller said, “Frank is a Christian man. No one put more heart and prayer into their job as Frank did. It is a pleasure to call him my friend.”

And the wonderful comments just kept coming! Then it was Frank’s turn to take the podium. Frank said, “Well, I have started exercising! I love Italy, I have lots of friends and family here. When I was in office I couldn’t have asked for any better staff, department heads and city council members. They always wanted what was best for the city. Citizens of Italy are great and I love them and I love the city of Italy. I will still make the city council meetings. I am glad I was Mayor for 14 years. Italy is the best city in the county. Pray for the new Mayor – it is not an easy job. Glad I had the chance and the opportunity to serve the city of Italy.”

The evening ended with a prayer by Pastor Dixon.