SAVANNAH - Dale R. Jackson, 73, of North Main Street, Savannah, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at Auburn Memorial Hospital.

Dale was born on March 1, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., to John K. and Edith Corbin Jackson. He moved to Savannah as a young boy and spent his life in the area. He graduated from Savannah High School and Cornell University School of Agriculture. He started Jackson Farms Inc. with his father, storing potatoes in crates in the basement of their home. He developed the farm into an efficient and productive business.

When he wasn't farming, he pursued his passion of traveling the world with his wife, Shirley. The exotic was his favorite, talking with people of different cultures his love. He shared his generous fun-loving nature with all those close to him.

Dale was a member of the Savannah Chapter of the Masons and of the Savannah Methodist Church. He devoted countless years to the New York State Potato Club and was an active member of the National Potato Council.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley Foster Jackson; his mother-in-law, Florence O'Conner Foster; and a brother-in-law, Norman Foster, all of Savannah. He is also survived by his sister, Thelma Jackson DeGraw of Tennessee; one son, Trevor (Sharon) Jackson of Savannah; one daughter, Trena (Jim) Fisher of Seneca Falls; five granddaughters, Amber Jackson of Colorado, Tiffany and Tori Jackson of Wolcott, Tyanna Jackson of Watertown, and Janie Grace Fisher of Seneca Falls; grandsons, Tyler Jackson of Savannah and Arthur and Logan Cole of Seneca Falls; two stepgrandchildren, Jeff Lucas Lopez of New Jersey and Ann Fisher.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Bruce DeGraw, this spring.

Friends and family may visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Colvin-Norton Funeral Home in Savannah. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, at the Savannah Methodist Church. Private burial will be at the South Butler Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Savannah Fire Department, PO Box 306, Savannah, NY 13146; or the Savannah Methodist Church, Savannah, NY 13146.