Colonel C. Kent Jackson Ph.D

Colonel Claude “Kent” Jackson, 84, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023. He was born February 8, 1939 at the family home in Huron, Missouri during a snowstorm by a doctor who arrived by horse drawn sleigh to Winifred Winton “Jack” Jackson and Cleo Juanita (Beem) Jackson. The family moved to California shortly after his birth where Kent grew up working on the family dairy farm. He excelled at basketball and baseball, setting several individual records in basketball and winning a state championship in baseball. Kent graduated from Torrance High School.

Kent spent his entire life in service to his family, his church and God, his country and his fellow man.

Kent married Barbara Estelle (Johnson) Jackson in 1963 and they were together for over 40 years. He is survived by his daughters, Jill Allison (Jackson) Connolly (William) and Amanda Suzanne Jackson, and his sons Michael Kent Jackson and Douglas Blaine Jackson. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sean Emerson Connolly, Michaela Allison Connolly, Blaine Michael Jackson (Macy) and Colin Kent Jackson, and his eldest sister Sara Ann (Jackson) Pursche.

Kent was a lifelong learner and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (Troy State University, Troy, Alabama), a Master’s in Business Administration (Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington) and a Ph.D. in Education (LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

Kent began his military career by enlisting in the California Army National Guard in 1956. He competed with the marksmanship unit and was a talented shooter all of his life. His outstanding leadership was quickly recognized, and he attended the Infantry Officer Candidate School (Ft. Benning, Georgia). Upon being commissioned a Second Lieutenant as an Infantry officer in the United States Army, he attended flight school becoming a fixed wing pilot. He transitioned to rotary aircraft and served two tours in Vietnam (1965, 1968). He was a master aviator and a senior instructor pilot on CH47 Chinook aircraft, as well as holding a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate: Airplane single and multi-engine Land; Rotocraft- Helicopter: Instrument- airplane and helicopter. As a commander, caring for the soldiers was the theme throughout his career and followed him on his postings throughout the United States, Germany, and Korea. In 1990 Kent was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame. His awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (x4), Bronze Star (with Valor device, x2), Purple Heart (x2), as well as numerous other commendations.

After retiring from the Army, having served over 30 years, Kent continued to serve by accepting a teaching position with the Birmingham City School System as the Senior JROTC Instructor at Huffman High School. While there he led the Rifle Team to several State and National Championships. Kent was a certified National Rifle Association Certified Rifle Coach, Rifle Instructor, Range Safety Officer, and Reloading Instructor. Greater than any championships, he also assisted many of his students in obtaining scholarships for college, enter into military service, or obtain apprenticeships. Their triumphs were his triumphs and having his students return and visit with their families always made him proud.

Kent also influenced young people through his tireless but rewarding work with the Boy Scouts of America. He loved the Boy Scouts and was active as both a Scout and a Scout Leader his entire life. He attended numerous National Scout Jamborees and served as Scoutmaster for six Jamboree troops. He served as District Chairman, District Commissioner, Lodge Advisor, Scout Master, Crew Advisor, and on numerous Regional and National committees. He received recognition for his many contributions to the scouting program by being awarded the Silver Beaver, Whitney M. Young, Vigil Honor, and others. He mentored many young men to earn their Eagle Scout and was proud both his sons received their Eagle Scout rank. Kent also founded a Boy Scout Troop for Special Needs Scouts allowing these Scouts to participate in the program he loved and enjoyed, serving as Scout Master for two decades.

Kent was a man of great faith and rejoiced in serving his church in many capacities everywhere his career took him. It was a driving force in his life and one of his greatest joys and comforts. He especially loved working in the Birmingham Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and doing genealogical work.

Kent lived his life as an example of love for his family, Church, and Country. He was blessed to be surrounded by those who loved him as he passed peacefully to be reunited with his beloved wife.

His family would like to thank the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home and UAB Hospital CCU for their care and compassion.

A visitation for will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 2780 Altadena Road, Birmingham, AL 35243, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military honors at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Jackson family.