Douglas Leo Jackson

Douglas lived a life defined by service, discipline, loyalty, and devotion to family. At just 17 years old, with his father’s consent, he enlisted in the United States Navy on March 5, 1958, departing for boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois and beginning an extraordinary military career that would span 27 years in service to his country, including 25 years of active duty and 2 years in the Navy Reserve.

During his distinguished naval career, Douglas served as a signalman and steadily advanced through the ranks to become a Chief Warrant Officer, earning the respect of those who served alongside him through his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering integrity. He was known by fellow sailors as a true “sailor’s sailor” — dependable, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to both mission and shipmates.

His naval service took him throughout the world aboard numerous vessels and duty stations, including assignments in Charleston, South Carolina; Argentia, Newfoundland; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Great Lakes, Illinois; and Pensacola, Florida. He served aboard the USS Capricornus, USS Vermilion, USS Exultant, USS Glennon, USS Bolster, USS Whipple, and USS Willamette, traveling to France, Gibraltar, Italy, Spain, Greece, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Bahrain, Oman, and many other locations during his years of service.

Among his many accomplishments, Douglas served twice as a drill instructor in Great Lakes, Illinois, helping shape and mentor future generations of sailors. He later directed the Navy’s Drug and Alcohol Counseling Program in Miramar, CA before retiring from active duty on December 31, 1988.

His military decorations included:

- Navy Achievement Medal (three awards)

- Good Conduct Medal (four awards)

- Sea Service Medal

- Vietnam Service Medal

- National Defense Service Medal

- Sharpshooter Ribbon (Pistol and Rifle)

A fellow officer and longtime friend, Robert Haines, who served with Douglas aboard the USS Whipple, described him as a man of “profound knowledge, impeccable integrity, military bearing, faith, courage, and resilience,” whose trustworthiness and leadership left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Following retirement from the Navy, Douglas continued serving others through his work as Program Director for the National Safety Council in Pinellas County, Florida, where he remained dedicated to public service and community safety.

Douglas also found great joy in family, companionship, and the simple comforts of home. He had a special love for dogs and cherished his beloved companions Pepper, Zoey, and Otto, who brought him comfort and happiness throughout his later years.

He is survived by his children, Jeanne Richards, Rebekah Holland, and Mark Jackson; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren, with more generations certain to follow who will come to know and carry forward his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Brenda Jackson, following 35 years of marriage; his daughter, Kimberly Ann, his brothers, Ronald Jackson and Jack Jackson; and his parents, Leo Myron Jackson and Bessie Louise Jackson.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on April 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Douglas will be remembered for his steady presence, honorable service, enduring friendships, and the example he set through a lifetime of dedication to his country and family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both in uniform and beyond.