Finding James Jackson: A Civilian Diver Story

On August 8, 2022, James Jackson, a 71-year-old man from Illinois, went missing in Calumet Park, Chicago. He was last seen driving a white Ford cargo van. Family and friends immediately feared for his safety—James had been battling dementia, making his disappearance even more concerning.

For months, there was no trace. His family held vigils, contacted authorities, and sought the public’s help. On the South Side of Chicago, families of missing persons gathered with Alderman David Moore at Foster Park, pleading for attention and assistance. James’ grandkids and loved ones expressed their desperation: “We just want someone to help find him. We need him to come home.”

The Search Begins

A team of civilian divers, dedicated to locating missing persons and submerged vehicles, took up the case. Using the last ping of James’ cell phone, they began scanning the Calumet River, a stretch of water connecting to Lake Michigan.

“It’s crystal clear and cool today,” one diver said, gearing up for the first dive. “It’ll be a good day to search.”

They began at the boat ramp near the river’s mouth, carefully examining bridges and embankments. The divers knew the river could hide anything beneath its surface—cars, vans, even debris—especially in areas with scrap yards or abandoned construction sites. Every inch of water needed to be scanned systematically.

Critical Discoveries

Over the course of several days, the team discovered multiple vehicles submerged in the river. Some were fully submerged trucks; others, older vans. Divers marked the locations with buoys and prepared for careful exploration.

At one point, a diver spotted an upside-down vehicle near the East 100th Street Bridge. Suited up and ready, he descended into 25 feet of cold, clear water. Visibility was limited by stirred sediment, but eventually, the diver reached the vehicle.

It was the missing white Ford cargo van.

The Recovery

Inside the van was James Jackson, still buckled into the front seat. The diver immediately radioed to the surface, confirming the discovery. Family and support teams were notified, and first responders, including the fire department and ambulance units, arrived quickly. A helicopter even hovered above as officials coordinated the recovery.

James’ body was brought safely to shore. Though tragic, the family finally had answers after nearly a year of uncertainty.

Emotional Closure

Tears and applause followed as the family, divers, and volunteers honored James’ memory. The dive team left small stone-carved angels at the site in remembrance. For his granddaughter Tiana Jackson, James was “the first person who ever showed me love from a male perspective,” a deeply personal connection that made the loss even more profound.

The divers’ work highlighted the importance of civilian support and community effort in missing-person cases. The collaboration between civilian divers, families, and local authorities ensured that James’ story was not lost, providing long-awaited closure.

Reflections

After the recovery, divers emphasized the challenges of searching rivers: deep waters, cold temperatures, obstacles, and sediment that limits visibility. They also noted the emotional weight of the search, balancing technical skill with empathy for families.

James Jackson’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the dedication of those willing to search tirelessly for missing loved ones. His family now has answers, and his memory is honored.

As one diver reflected, “Every search is different, but the goal is always the same: bring people home or provide families with closure. That’s why we do this.”