Stephen Sears Jackman

Steve was born on July 7, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri to George and Charla Jackman. At age 7, he moved to Peoria, Illinois where he completed high school. He graduated from Yankton College with a degree in history. In 1967, he joined the United States Army and became a military police officer. In July of 1968, he met his bride, Nancy Gilreath, at a military base in Fort Riley, Kansas. They were married 7 months later. After his retirement from the military, Steve and Nancy moved to Birmingham, Alabama where they began their family. He became a State Farm agent and operated his agency in Bluff Park for forty years. Steve provided excellent service and built lasting relationships with his insureds. Throughout his adult life, Steve was active in his community as a former Rotary Club President, a youth sports coach and a member of Shades Crest Baptist Church. Much of his success in life can be attributed to his motto that he often shared with his kids, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Steve’s personality was larger than life. He truly loved people and never met a stranger. It wasn’t enough for him to learn someone’s name or ask the standard “How are you?”, he really wanted to know them. He often met friends and family for breakfast or lunch and enjoyed sharing stories and engaging in political debate. A lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan, Steve shared that love with his family. He also enjoyed following the Auburn Tigers and the UAB Blazers. Many hours were spent with his family watching games and discussing what “should have happened." Steve also enjoyed genealogy and reading about historical events. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Steve loved to travel, most often by cruise ship. A brochure for his next trip was always sitting next to his chair. With his beloved wife, Nancy, they visited over 67 countries and befriended people from all over the world. Their home is filled with photos from their adventures.

Steve found the greatest joy in being “Big Daddy” to his 7 grandchildren. He spent time with them whenever he could and often attended their school and sporting events. His booming voice could be heard throughout the stands cheering them on. He was always on a search for the best ballpark popcorn. Most weekends he took at least one of them to breakfast. Often he would call to provide a word of encouragement or a piece of advice. When remembering their Big Daddy, all of the grandchildren told stories of his silly humor and how he made them laugh. They remember spending time at his house, hearing about his travels and visiting the zoo. One in particular recalled Psalm 136:1, his favorite bible verse, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.”

Steve is survived by Nancy Gilreath Jackman, his wife of 53 years; his children, Amy Jackman Lawrence (Drew), Timothy Sears Jackman (Laura) and Charles Nicholson Jackman (Katie); his grandchildren, Caroline, Will and Emme Lawrence, Carter and Hudson Jackman and Claire and Bennett Jackman, all of Birmingham, Alabama; his brothers James Jackman of Pekin, Illinois and Douglas Jackman (Pam) of Muscatine, Iowa; his sister Janis Sheehan (Joe) of Moline, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents George and Charla Jackman and his sister-in-law Diane Jackman.

Steve Jackman was a man that loved God and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and Godly devotion that will be carried on by those who loved him.

Visitation will be at Shades Crest Baptist Church on Monday, February 12th at noon with a service at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shades Crest Baptist Church Family Life Center.