Michael Hendren Jackson

Michael Hendren Jackson, born on November 1, 1953, passed away on July 8, 2022, living a full 68 years. A Pearl, Mississippi native by way of Florida, Mike graduated from Pearl High school in 1972, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served for four years and was discharged as an E4 soldier. Mike would later re-enlist, this time with the Army National Guard in 1984, where he served faithfully for twenty-nine years. He also worked for the Transportation Security Administration from 2002 until full retirement in 2017.

Mike met Donna on a blind date through a mutual friend in the beginning of 1982. Knowing each other were "The One", they married in May of that same year. They soon welcomed their first child, Charles Tomas Jackson, in 1982. Miranda Kay Jackson would complete their family in May of 1987. With a practical attitude, steady hand, and more than a few dad jokes, Mike raised two children who have become hardworking, compassionate adults. They inherited the best parts of Mike in his smile, and level-headed attitude. He gave Donna forty beautiful years of marriage and a lifetime of shared happiness and tender moments. In 2012, he changed his name to "Pops" with the birth of his first grandchild, Leslie Alice Jackson. He gained a "mini me" in 2017 when Michael Henry "Hank" Jackson was added to the family. No one was prouder than Pops holding his grandchildren, all in their Alabama game day jerseys.

Mike was the middle of three brothers, Burt Fonda Jackson (Debra) being the older with Clayton Howell Jackson bringing up the rear. The brothers were inseparable, keeping each other in line while keeping their mother, Alice Archer Allein Jackson, on her toes. From jumping off the roof to jumping into the washing machine, their shenanigans exemplified living life to the fullest, or at least to the funniest. The stories are retold at every opportunity and never lose their ability to draw out belly laughs. He is also survived by nephew, Robert Fonda Jackson (Michelle); niece, Allison Jackson Casey (David), and seven wonderful great-nephews and nieces.

He leaves behind a legacy of giving freely, loving completely, and never missing an opportunity to tell a joke. "We finish what we start even if we don't like it" was the life advice Mike shared with us. We are so thankful for the time we had with Mike, and God willing we will finish as strong as he did.

Mike's family will receive friends from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, July 15, 2022, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00am, Saturday, July 16, 2022, in the funeral home chapel.

Memorials may be made to www.semperk9.org, a program that provides service dogs for veterans.