Michael “Mike” Jackson, beloved husband of Deb Jackson (née Derr); loving father of Ryan (Lauren) Jackson, Nick (Katie) Jackson, and Emily (Juan) Velasquez; doting grandfather of Rylie, Sophia, Henry, Harrison, Eleanor, and Thomas; brother of Mary (Paul) Kenkel and the late Sue Ann Jackson; son of the deceased Edward “Eddie” and Shirley Jackson; stepson of the deceased Theresa “Tess” Jackson; and stepbrother of Kevin Jackson; peacefully passed on Saturday, June 12, 2021, age 68.
Mike was born on October 8, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon thereafter experienced life-threatening complications. Following his doctors’ best efforts and his parents’ constant prayers for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, Mike made a near miraculous recovery and received his name as a result.
Mike grew up in Cheviot, Ohio, attending St. Martin of Tours School and subsequently La Salle High School. He idolized his father, Eddie, not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his integrity, honor, and kindness – traits that Mike exuded in abundance. Mike tragically lost his mother, Shirley, and older sister, Sue Ann, within six months of each other in 1967/1968 – a loss that profoundly impacted him to the end of his life. Mike gained his stepmother, Tess, and stepbrother, Kevin, in September 1968. Mike was a protective big brother and acted as a mentor and role model for Kevin and Mary. He always had a stern warning for any boyfriends that Mary brought to the house.
Mike attended the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing. Following graduation, Mike worked at Sysco and Fechhiemer Brothers Co before beginning a 36-year career with Dart Container Corporation in 1982. Mike had an extremely successful career with Dart, achieving multiple promotions that eventually resulted in his relocation to Atlanta, GA. He was an eight-time 1st place winner of Dart’s Regional Manager of the Year (not to mention seven 2nd place and three 3rd place finishes!), a member of Dart’s President’s Club, and a Million Mile member. Though proud of his personal successes, Mike’s proudest achievements were by far the impacts he made on his team and the success that many of them would go on to have. Mike happily retired in March 2019.
Mike was a talented athlete, excelling at grade school/high school baseball and basketball. He eventually took up the Jackson family pastime – bowling – and achieved great success as an amateur, bowling multiple 300 games and participating in many ABC USBC events alongside his Hall of Fame father. Mike was also an avid golfer, a hobby he enjoyed with his father as well as his sons.
Mike married Cindy Catucci in August 1975 at the height of the disco craze. Years later, he would comment on his dancing prowess and suave style from these days. Doubtful! During this time, he bowled in three different weekly bowling leagues while also playing in weekly competitive softball and golf leagues.
Mike married Colleen Nazerian (née Driscoll) in January 1982, a marriage that produced his two sons, Ryan and Nick. The family relocated to Atlanta, GA, in May 1990. Mike was a tremendous father and could always be counted on in a time of need. His guidance was exemplary; his honesty, integrity, and work ethic set a tremendous example for his sons. He never missed a game and the many formative conversations to/from practices are some that his sons cherish most.
Mike married his Sunshine, Deb Jackson, in May 2008. Mike and Deb experienced many joys in their time together, whether traveling across the world on multi-country cruises, traveling to Dad’s favorite spots in the Smokey Mountains, spending time with family and friends, or simply sitting in on their deck enjoying their morning coffee. Deb reawakened Mike’s Christian faith and brought out a tender side of Mike that many had never seen. Deb’s daughter, Emily, brought Mike the daughter he never had, and he relished becoming a stepdad.
Mike became a first-time grandparent in May 2008 upon the birth of his granddaughter, Rylie (13). He subsequently gained five more grandchildren: Sophia (3), Henry (3), Harrison (1), Eleanor (1), and Thomas (NB). Mike was likely prouder to take on the mantle of Grandpa than any other in his life. He adored all six of his grandchildren and loved watching them grow. He could always be counted on to elicit a laugh, a smile, or a warm embrace.
Besides his sports hobbies, Mike also enjoyed cultivating a beautiful garden in his and Deb’s backyard, volunteering in his retirement at Smith-Gilbert Gardens, and participating in various men’s groups at NorthStar Church.
Put simply, Mike was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend. He impacted many lives and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family asks that donations be made to (placing Mike Jackson in the memo line):
Attn: Financial Office
NorthStar Church
3413 Blue Springs Rd
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Memorial Giving
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
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