Eugene Jackson

Eugene “Thin Man” Jackson passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was born in Springfield, IL on May 29, 1956, to George S. and Ruth J. (Crawford) Jackson. Eugene graduated from Southeast High School, Springfield, IL, where he participated in band. He attended the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL and went on to serve in the United States Navy as an operational communicator at the OPNAV Telecommunications Center, Washington, DC. Eugene retired from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in Springfield, IL.

Eugene met Nafeesah Brooks and from that relationship came two children, Adrian of Atlanta, GA, and Danielle of Springfield, IL. He later he married Tracy Johnson, she preceded him in death on April 7, 2022.

Thin, for the most part, was a quiet and reflective person. He was adventurous in his own way. You never knew where he would end up. He was willing to teach you three-dimensional chess, tell you about the Cardinals’ history, recount any professional boxing match, and on occasion stop in at a casino. During his time working for the State of Illinois he met Happy Hanna, and they shared their love of music and the Bible. Happy and “Geno” shared scripture and prayer, as well as a few stories of their past escapades whenever they got together. Serving as an usher at Monroe Street Christian Church was a joy for Eugene, as it allowed him to express his commitment to his faith.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Tracy Johnson; sisters, Terri and Michelle Jackson; and brother, George E. Jackson.

Those left to celebrate his life include the mother of his children, Nafeesah Brooks; son, Adrian (Tayyaba Ahmad) Jackson of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Danielle Jackson of Springfield, IL: grandchildren, Qasim, Zanah, Zahraa, Nurrayyah, and Tanseem Jackson, Taymiyyah Pettus, and Saadia and Amira Heyward; sisters, Jennifer (Scott) Stephens of Rock Island, IL, and Vanessa (Dennis Streat) Jackson of Atlanta, GA; and brother, Geno (Reba Love) Collins of Springfield; nephew, Damien Jackson of Rock Island, IL; and several grand nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Private services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL.

The family would like to thank Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield Clinic, Arcadia Care, Transition Hospice Services, and Butler Funeral Home.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.