Gerald D. Jackson

Gerald Dean Jackson was born and raised in the Butler, Oklahoma area. His parents were Willie Edgar Jackson and Laura Ada (Lachman) Jackson. Most people called him Jerry – during childhood he earned the nickname ‘Cotton’ because while working on the farm picking cotton his hair would turn a white blond color. For the rest of his life some family members still called him ‘Cotton’. After high school graduation he attended Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) then entered the Air Force as a pilot. He met his wife Joy while in military training near Austin, Texas. They were married in 1957 and proceeded to assignments in Japan and Turkey as well as in Ohio and California within the United States. After leaving the Air Force in 1969 he moved the family to Oklahoma City to be near both his and his wife Joy’s families. In Oklahoma City he worked as a purchasing agent for various manufacturing companies (Tension Envelope, Barrett Trailers). Both Jerry and Joy were animal lovers and various dogs, cats and even an orphaned baby robin received their tender loving care. Over the years Jerry enjoyed working with model trains and planes, collecting coins and financial investing as well as tasting and even making wine. In later years he enjoyed eating out and a quiet life at home. He passed away at age 84 at home after a battle with cancer. The family is sincerely grateful to Visiting Angels and Oklahoma Hospice Care for their extraordinary care during the last months of his life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Joy Jackson. He is survived by daughters Pam Johse of Austin, Colorado, and Kim Clevenger of Leawood, Kansas. He is also survived by a brother Donald Jackson of Stillwater, Oklahoma; a sister Joyce Arnett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; nieces Donna Jackson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kay Harlan of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and a nephew Jerry Jackson of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

A private family service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Oklahoma Hospice Care at their website www.oklahomahc.com or by mail to 8241 S. Walker Ave, Suite 204, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73139.