Murray James Jackson

September 26, 1934 – March 16, 2012

Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, September 26, 1934 to Murry Benard and_Lura Fern Jackson. They moved their family to Dallas, Texas in 1943 where Murray spent most of his childhood. After finishing high school, Murray enlisted in Uncle Sam’s army in January 1957. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the service, he joined the Dallas Police Department where he served until his retirement in November of 1994. During this period of time he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Lanmon Blackmon, whom he married on October 1, 1973. Soon after his retirement from the police force, the happy couple moved to Hamilton, Texas, to be close to Mary’s mother and father. In the months that followed, they opened an antique store just off the square which they owned for several years.

Those who knew Murray knew him as a fun-loving, gentle man who forever enjoyed telling jokes and making people laugh. He had an intense love and commitment to his family and was a devoted husband to Mary, and a loving, caring father to Mary’s children, Melinda Jo Cohen and Richard Eddie Blackmon.

Murray is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Melinda Jo Cohen of Hamilton; son Richard Eddie Blackmon of Hamilton; and three grandchildren, Jenica Williams, Andrew Blackmon and Shelbi Blackman and 2 great grandchildren.

Murray will be missed by everyone who knew him and will be remembered as a constant source of joy and fun…a friend who could be counted on!