Mr. Homer Jackson

Homer Jackson passed away in his sleep Monday, December 26, 2016, after a long brave battle with Alzheimer’s. Tex was born September 28, 1927, in Ennis Texas. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo Jackson, a sister Lorraine Mettler, and his children - son Jim Jackson and wife Marilyn, daughter Bonnie Burns and husband Steve, son John Jackson and wife Lee, daughter Rena Bugarin and husband Richard, stepchildren Michael Watson and wife Kathleen. He had 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother Lola Jackson, father Fred Jackson, first wife and mother of his children Patricia Jackson, brother John Jackson, sister Betty Campbell and sister Floy Kuhn, stepdaughter Karen Shields, and stepson Kenny Ray Laymance. Tex was a caring, gentle, hardworking man with a great sense of humor. Tex will be remembered as a kind soul who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was an avid hunter, bowler, and pool player. He was a talented mechanic and could fix or build anything in his self-built fully stocked shop. The amazing spirit of Tex will be fondly remembered in many memories from his family and friends. Tex was gifted at spoonerism and spoke it often in a quirky manner. He affectionately had nicknames for Patricia and their children: Tap, Mij, Nobbie, Noj, and Nera. It drove Pat crazy and made all his children giggle. Tex’s gentle nature showed when trying to retrieve a tool loaned to a co-worker; the co-worker hit Tex with the tool. Tex let the co-worker keep the tool; coming to the conclusion that the co-worker needed it more. He also was incredibly patient with his children who regularly “did” his hair with pin-curls and pigtails. He even went to Picchi Market with his hair in pigtails showing his fun sense of humor. Tex will always be remembered for his frugal nature. He never left food on anyone’s plate at the dinner table. He not only finished his plate but also everyone else’s at the table. One time he purchased a size 13 tennis shoes because they were 50 cents even though he had to stuff the toes with tissue because he wore a size 10. He wore those tennis shoes for years. Tex was a miser. Bonnie and Rena were afraid of the dark and wanted the hall light on all night. Tex being frugal would shut the light off after he thought they were asleep. Bonnie would turn it back on and Tex would come in behind her to shut it off again. The on-off game would continue for hours most nights. Tex was known to even shut off the bathroom light while the bathroom was occupied. Tex was a master craftsman; building wooden planes, rifle stocks, and various mechanical parts for repairing cars, bicycles, and numerous other items; thus saving the cost of buying new parts. He had the ability to fix anything. He repaired all the bicycles belonging to the neighborhood children. He worked side-by-side with George Barris the Customizer doing auto body repair. Tex’s youngest son, John, wanted to be a mechanic like his Dad. While taking classes John had an assignment to repair a vehicle. He purchased a Vega with a blown engine and brought it home. When John was unable to complete the project Tex did so without spending any money. He used his unique, kind, frugal, and hardworking nature to fix things and take care of his family. Tex was a 33rd degree mason and sponsored several other men at the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Moose lodge. Tex was an avid hunter for many years taking his sons, sons-in-law, and others with him to various locations including Colorado and Modoc County California. One trip he took the family station wagon, packed to the gills. The roads were so rugged that he burned out the brakes which he got to repair upon his return. Tex was a natural athlete; he won numerous trophies at pool, was a fast-pitch softball pitcher, and bowled for many years winning league championships. He met his first wife Patricia while bowling. He attended Roseville High school then served in the Navy as a Fireman First Class USNR from 1944-46. While in the Navy service he was required to pass a swim test. Since he did not swim he dog paddled to pass the test showing his determination and resilience. Tex then worked at the S.P Railroad for 43 years beginning as a fireman until he promoted to an engineer. His children and grandchildren proudly would brag about him being an engineer who drove trains. Please leave your own comments, condolences, and stories. Celebration of Life will be held January 21st, 11:00 am, at the Yuba City Moose Lodge 205 S. Walton Ave, Yuba City, Ca. 95993.