Samuel Elson Jackson Jr. of Edgartown died on Feb. 9 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston after a long battle with lung and diabetes-related illnesses. He was 68 years old.

Sam was born to Samuel and Mary Jackson on July 27, 1941, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He is the grandson of Carnegie medal of heroism recipient Levi Jackson, also of Edgartown. Following in family tradition, he depended on the local waters for his livelihood. Sam began shellfishing as a teenager on the flats of Katama and the pond at Cape Pogue, before he moved to offshore waters. The pristine Vineyard waters have been, and will always be, part of Sam.

As time passed, he began working as a laborer for Frank Fenner and continued in his position for BFI. Sam was the “Chappy guy” for over 25 years, before retiring in the summer of 2008. At that time he rekindled his love for wood carving and the outdoors. He could have been found each winter tromping through the briars and fields with his cousins Joey and Mike Canha while hunting rabbits, and in the spring and summer upon their boat each weekend fishing for local catches.

Sam married Diane (Sylvia) at the age of 25, and together they raised their family of nine in Edgartown. He instilled in his children from a young age his knowledge of local wildlife, respect for the sea and pride in the Island. Many of his children still work on the water and celebrate the beauty of the Island in many ways. February of this year marks the 43, anniversary of Sam and Diane’s marriage.

In addition to his wife Sam is survived by his nine children: Keith Jackson of Edgartown, Sherry Brown and her husband James of Falmouth, Leigh, Randy, and Frank Gibson of Edgartown, Dennis and Sheila Jackson of Edgartown, Brenda Kennedy of Hyannis and Mike Jackson and his wife Valerie of Edgartown; his sister Beatrice Lawry of Edgartown; his brother Peter Jackson and wife Susan of Edgartown; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Sam also leaves eight beloved grandchildren: Heather Gibson of Boston, Wendy Gibson of New York, N.Y., Brian Gibson of Oak Bluffs, William Brown of Falmouth, Leanne Jackson of Memphis, Tenn., Tyler Brown of Falmouth, Andrew Jackson of Edgartown and Nicole Jackson-Barry of Norwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Jackson of Edgartown, and two of his younger brothers, Dennis and Wayne Jackson, both of Edgartown.

Sam was an amazing man with many talents and a heart of gold. His love for people and his generosity were well known upon first speaking with him. His genuine character shined through at every moment of his life. He will be missed by much of the Island community, his family and his friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the American Legion Hall in Katama, starting at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the care of Casper Funeral Service of Boston. Any questions or well wishes for the family may be left at 508-627-4253, or sent to P.O. Box 31, Edgartown, MA 02539.