In 1981, Charles Warwick "Buddy" Jacksonwas cast as a sheriff in "The Rainmaker." In 1981, Charles Warwick "Buddy" Jackson was cast as a sheriff in "The Rainmaker."

Charles Warwick "Buddy" Jackson served Westmoreland County for 32 years as its sheriff.

But his impact within his community went deeper than simply upholding laws.

"He was a very community-oriented type of person. He cared about helping people more than his own needs," said current Westmoreland Sheriff C.O. Balderson. "He took time to listen to people, whether on a professional or personal note."

Mr. Jackson, who was elected to eight terms as sheriff in the Northern Neck county and retired last year, died Saturday of cancer at his Montross home. He was 65.

He grew up in Emporia and joined the Virginia State Police for nine years before being elected Westmoreland's sheriff in 1975.

Although he wasn't interested in the politics of his position, he believed that his role as sheriff gave him "a greater capacity to help people," said his wife of 26 years, Diane Jackson of Montross.

Mr. Jackson wasn't one to shy away from a person in need. He once helped a man who had lost his job to gain employment as a maintenance and security worker.

There were times when he sat down to dinner with his wife, and residents knocked on the door needing someone to talk to about their problems. Mr. Jackson, who had a casual way about him that made people feel at ease, always listened.

He also was quick to use his contacts throughout the state to help county leaders. If an economic development issue arose, for example, Mr. Jackson invariably knew someone he could call for help, said Norm Risavi, Westmoreland's county administrator.

Mr. Jackson had the respect of his fellow sheriffs across the state, serving as past-president of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association. He injected a level of energy and humor into the association's meetings, said John W. Jones, executive director of the group.

Last year, Mr. Jackson was selected by the town of Montross to serve as grand marshal for the town's fall parade but was reluctant to do it because he didn't think he deserved the recognition, said Brenda Reamy, town manager.

Mr. Jackson's dedication to his community didn't wane even as he battled cancer. After undergoing treatment, he still went to work.

A friendly and personable man who always had a smile on his face, Mr. Jackson was involved in the arts community. He accompanied his wife, an artist, when she went to art shows across the state. He'd also cover for her at her art gallery when she was unable to be there.

In 1981, he tried his hand at acting, playing the role of Sheriff Thomas in the Montross Players' production of N. Richard Nash's "The Rainmaker."

In addition to his wife, Mr. Jackson's survivors include a sister, Maida P. Harrison of Waynesboro.

A funeral will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 63 St. James Lane, in Montross. Burial will be in the church cemetery.