MSgt Jerome F. Jackson, Jr., USAF Ret., “Jerry”, 76, of Tampa, FL, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ.
Born in Monongahela, PA, he moved here in 1973 after serving in Thailand and retired from MacDill Air Force Base in 1976. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in England and Korea. Jerry was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, and the Air Force Medal. He continued to work for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier and, later, a Safety Management Supervisor. He enjoyed radio controlled planes and was a member of the R/C Aircraft Club, TRAC, the Bay City Flyers, and MacDill Flyers. He was a musician and enjoyed camping trips in his motor home.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Wendy; son, Mark D. (Mary) Jackson of Tarpon Springs, FL; daughter, Kerry Jackson of Orlando, FL; and two sisters: Marian Augustine of San Francisco, CA and Catherine Fusca of Sarasota, FL.
A graveside service with full military honors will be presented at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.
The Persistent Suitor
Wendy Blakemore was a twenty three year old London native working at C & As Department Store in downtown and enjoying nights out with her friends dancing and enjoying the city. One night, she and three of her friends were dared to get into an exclusive club. The maître’d wore a top hat and tails, and waved them in, where an American Airman stationed at RAF Bentwaters chatted with them that evening. The next day, her boss answered a call from the airman, who asked to speak to Wendy. “I’m not here.” She waved off the call Days passed, and the same suitor called so frequently, her boss finally made her take the call. While making a run to the post office, she saw him again. She agreed to a date, and, although not immediately smitten with the American, Wendy and Jerry began a romance that lasted 50 years.
The Military Life
One of my early memories is of the blue airletters that arrived at least once weekly, numbered consecutively, with the details of my Dad’s daily life half-way around the world. Me and my Mom would read the letter over and over until the next letter arrived. Daddy’s little girl boasted that her Dad was taller, smarter and better than anyone. Since I would grow during the year he was away, I would sometimes take a few hours to realize who this man was that stepped off the flight. Then I would then run in crying, “Daddy, daddy, daddy!” as I jumped into his lap. My Dad retired from the Air Force when I was 11, and joined the Post Office and started college. He pursued several degrees, which did, once again, take time away from his family. Then I graduated from high school, and on to college, and it was my turn to leave the family as I moved to Gainesville to pursue a degree in Veterinary medicine, then start a career. Dad would call regularly to check on his little girl, on his “attitude check” to which I would reply. “got one!” We would talk about anything and everything, and plan camping trips that we enjoyed at a family since I was small. I will miss those calls, and the fun we had, but I will always be his little girl.
Flying Once Again
My Dad and I started into the radio controlled hobby in 1984 with cars. Then for my 14th birthday, Dad purchased a Goldberg Eagle 63, after a few mistakes during building of the wings, and a wing kit later…she was ready to fly. In fact my mother with her superior ironing abilities, actually covering my first plane with the plastic covering. Over 20 years my Dad and I actively flew. In 1989 Dad even made a special trip to Ida Grove, Iowa, in the middle of nowhere, just to take me to go see their massive Radio Control World War II battle re-enactment “Striking Back.” It was a sight to see will the 1/5 scale aircraft “dogfighting” with the defeated going down in flames. With today litigious society, I am pretty sure this show would not go on today…without the spectators signing release forms.
We made our way around the Tampa Bay Area by starting at the R/C Aircraft club behind Busch Gardens, TRAC (Tampa Radio controlled Aircraft Club), following by Bay City Flyers and ending in 2004 with MacDill Flyers. Paul Leyden and Dad where the only two active members of the Club in the end, and after Paul passed…Dad lost interest in the hobby. Well now hopefully Dad is taking a little break on Sunday morning and flying r/c aircraft with Paul once again. For years, every Saturday before Memorial Day, my father and I would place flags at the headstones of friends that served and flowers for their wives. We always had one flag extra; I would give it to a grieving family member, or place respectively at the headstone of another soldier.
Dad, this year that flag will be yours.
I have many great memories of karrys dad , as my girls always called him lol. Her was a grampa to them and always someone i was happy to see. One of the funniest and and best memories to me was the day he delivered the bar to my grooming station . He just kept pulling out bottles lol . Not just a great memory of him but a day I couldn’t stop laughing . I loved “karrys dad ” and will always miss him , he was truly a great man.
Wendy is my older sister by a couple of years, still massive rebuilding going on in England after the 2nd World War, when Jerry came into the family he had to put up with a brother in-law who had no cence of direction, one thing in common with both of us was motor racing and cars, Jerry was Based in Bentwaters about 90 miles from where I lived in London, Wendy and Jerry lived in what we call in England a Hamlet it’s a place with just a few houses, they lived in part of a farm house beautiful setting and a few miles from Jerrys base, I would pop down to see them often or we would meet at Brands Hatch car racing circuit, Jerry would be with his mate Ivan along with Wendy and Ivan’s wife, Jerry had a Lotus Cortina after he sold his VW Beetle, he loved the Lotus, he would always have a case of beers in the boot, those were the days you could have a few beers ( no breathalyser or seat belts in those days) we always had a ball there, Jerry knew I was unhappy with the cars I purchase, he said I have a Friend who has a car I might be interested in, he took me to see it on my next visit to Bentwaters, the car was an Austin Healy Sprite, it was my dream car never forget it, even to this day I still think about it, along with how I got come by it. R.I.P Jerry they were great times, the highlight of my young life,
I am truly Blessed among women. Born the daughter of Col. Patch of the United States Army, I lost him at the age of 9 and 4 days.
A neighbor, Cecil Turner of the United States Air Force, took me under wing around 11 years old. He taught me to fish, where to pick raspberries and blackberries, the joy of solving 3D puzzles… I lost him in high school.
Fast forward, I met a man one evening at work who has become the Love of my life. Jerrys son. A proper man and gentleman as his father taught him to be.
Jerry, “Mr Jerry” to my children, was always kind, loving and tolerant… even when he probably shouldn’t have been. He was very much loved and appreciated, though I’m not sure he really ever knew how much.
He was my 3rd Dad. I loved him, as I will always love his son.
And daughter.
And wife.
Wendy is my 2nd mom
As Jerry taught us, we will carry on…loving our family, pursuing flight and taking care of each other. Whatever that means. Bring it.
Tell people in your life how much you love them.
Never take them for granted.
Live in the moment with an eye and plan to the future.
When I think of Jerry I think of barbecue. Dale and Jerry in the back yard of their house in Tampa or at ours in Orlando nursing a beer and putting the world to rights. I remember Jerry patiently explaining to me that the beers in their hands were not actually for lubricating them but were for my benefit as they kept the meat moist. Whatever the reason Jerry’s barbecues were always the best! He will be missed by us all but we will raise a beer and a smile whenever we barbecue in thanks for knowing this great man.
When I think of Jerry, I too think of Barbeques. As a long standing vegetarian I was not privvy to Uncle Jerrys fabulous steaks but I have always been told that they were ‘simply the best’. I have fond memories of Jerry guarding the BBQ with his bottle of beer, sporting his trademark baseball cap and jeans.
My Uncle Jerry was the best uncle in the universe (and Wendy the best Aunt). I have never met such a kind gentleman than my uncle. He was always happy and very funny, he was a wonderful husband and father, dedicated and loyal. Jerry touched everyone who met him, everyone loved him.
I will miss my Uncle Jerry everyday. God bless.
Jerry
Throughout my life I have had the pleasure to meet a few decent, genuine people. Jerry you were at the top of that list. You were kind, gentle and simply brilliant. I used to look forward to seeing you every year when we came to visit…I loved our “bloke chats” when out with max..I admired you so much, I wish I had a father like you..
The day I found out you had passed I felt like my heart had been ripped out, the loss is huge..I feel the pain for everyone that was close to you, you cant and won’t ever be forgotten…as I move forward in my life I will always feel blessed I spent time with you and will carry you in my thoughts and heart everyday. God bless you jerry, I will love you always
Dan x