Gary Jackson

IN MEMORY OF: Gary Jackson Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – ANNA 135 West Vienna Street, Anna, Illinois Gary Jackson, age 77, of Jonesboro passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born on October 28, 1947 in Anna to Jewell and Lucille (Barker) Jackson. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17, after persuading his dad to sign the papers. He served from February 2, 1965 to November 2, 1970 when he transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve. He served two tours in Vietnam and was proud of his service to his nation. He joined, and became a Life Member of the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455; VFW in the 1960s and remained a proud, active member until his illness forced his retirement as Quartermaster in August of 2024. Marine Corps Birthday and Veteran’s Day were two things that couldn’t and wouldn’t be missed. After he came out of the Corps, he married Jane Tripp and to this union three children were born, Kenneth, Cynthia, and Kim. He worked at Olin and Ford Motors in St. Louis and then they returned to Anna. He subsequently worked at the VFW in Anna for many years, and IBEW 702. He married Linda (Dawes) Jones on January 4, 1985. He started work with the State of Illinois as a Food Service Supervisor at Choate Mental Health and then transferred to Shawnee Correctional Center until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Linda of Jonesboro, one son, Kenneth (Jennifer) Jackson of Bathalto, one daughter, Cynthia (Craig) Billings of Dow, the mother of his children, Jane (Gary) Nimmo of Godfrey, two stepdaughters, Debi (Mike) Barnett of Lake of Egypt, Amy (Jonathan) Schott of St. Louis, MO., 5 grandchildren, Libby (Jeff) Spicer and their children, Kayden, Kailey, Korbin, and Karson of Godfrey, Hunter(Lily) Billings of Godfrey, Megan (Adam Stewart) Jackson and their son Archie of Alton, Cort (Abby Veitch) Jackson of Granite City, and Travis Barnett of Denver, CO., 1 brother, Roger Jackson of Anna, and 2 sisters, Doris (Wayne) Whiteside of Dongola and Pam Gee of Carterville, 1 sister-in-law, Linda R. Jackson of Karbers Ridge, IL., nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kim, 2 brothers, Richard and Ronald, 2 sisters, Dorothy Davis and Wanda Smith. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 from 8:30 AM until the time of service at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16 at the funeral home with Rev. Davy Miller officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek with full military honors by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455, VFW and the Marine Color Guard. He would love for all memorials to go to the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455, VFW in his memory as it was such an important part of his life for over 55 years. Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Jackson

October 28, 1947 - November 12, 2024