Charles J. Jackson

Charles J. Jackson, age 93, slipped quietly from this earth on the afternoon of July 8. As a long-time local businessman, community leader, WWII combat veteran, world traveler and loving father and husband, his passing will leave a big hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Born in Nacogdoches, TX, but raised in nearby Shreveport, La, Charlie was the only son of Clifford and Dagma Kelley Jackson. “Chunk” as he was known, attended Texas Military Institute and graduated from

C. E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. He enrolled as a student in the University of Texas and majored in economics until volunteering with the Army Air Force in 1942.

After two years as an instructor pilot, it took a letter to his congressman to secure a combat assignment in Europe as Aircraft Commander (pilot) of a B-24 bomber. He completed 26 missions before the war ended and despite having heavy battle damage including having one engine shot off over the target, he always brought his crew and his aircraft “Monotonous Maggie” safely home.

After brief stints with Sherwin-Williams and Zarsky Lumber, Charlie took a job managing a mahogany logging operation in Costa Rica. He played a small but exciting role in the Costa Rican revolution in 1947 before returning to Corpus Christi and joining his father in business in Clifford Jackson Funeral Home. He built a new building and moved the business to Kostoryz Road in 1960. The soaring, A-frame chapel has served as a Corpus Christi landmark for years. He mentored several generations of young employees and launched several into successful careers in the funeral business and others. He remained a funeral director for 52 years and served for six years on the State Board of Funeral Directors.

Charlie was always active in his community and was a member and officer the downtown Rotary Club for 64 years and rarely missed a meeting. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 189 and a Shriner.

He served on the city Zoning and Planning Commission for six years with his final two as Chairman. During that period, he was able to oversee some of Corpus Christi’s mid-1960’s growth and contribute to numerous projects including the scenic development of Ocean Dr.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years Carol Ann Jackson, his three sons, Kelly Jackson of Austin, J. Karl Jackson (Francia Ruppen) of Luckenbach, and M. Randall Hicks (Dawn Sauers) and their son Chandler Sauers of Corpus Christi and their dog, Maggie.

Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be at Covenant Baptist Church, 7001 Williams Drive, 78412 at 10:30 am on Friday, July 11. A reception will follow in the church hall where fond memories and tall tales concerning Charlie’s life will be told and shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Covenant Baptist Church (Fellowship Outreach), Roam for Home (Ronald McDonald House) - Corpus Christi or the Terry Labonte Roam for a Home Foundation.