Jerry D. Jackson (79) of Greenup

Jerry D. Jackson, 79 years old, lifelong resident of Greenup, IL, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020 from complications associated with abdominal aortic aneurism surgery on April 2 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Jerry was born April 6th, 1941 to Duard and Mabel (Cook) Jackson in Greenup, IL where he grew up with older brothers, Larry and Ron. He attended Greenup Grade School, walking to school each day and frequently strolling uptown from school for lunch at Ed Bennett’s Chili Parlor. After Cumberland High School graduation in 1959, Jerry attended Eastern Illinois University for one year, then married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Catey, in November of 1961. This union produced four sons: Kit, Jason, Nathan and Brandon. As a father Jerry passed the knowledge, skill and joy he had derived from his boyhood exploration of the woods along the Embarras River where he hunted and fished to his boys by introducing them to trotlines and mushroom hunting. He avidly supported his sons’ athletic pursuits: managing summer league baseball teams with his brother-in-law, Henry Catey, attending Junior High and High School football, cross-country, wrestling, basketball, track and field, and roller hockey events, no matter the traveling distance required. Jerry was a lifelong fan of the University of Illinois basketball, the Chicago Bulls/Bears/Cubs and Cumberland sports, including girls’ softball and volleyball. At various stages of his life, Jerry had an array of hobbies: taking aviation/flight lessons; showing off disco dance moves with Marje at E.L. Krackers; painting scenes and landscapes for home decoration; elaborately festooning the yard, house, and trees with Christmas glory; and extensive woodworking. The summer after the greatest tragedy in his life (the death of his son Jason in 1989 while a senior at SIU Carbondale) he constructed, as therapy, an amazingly beautiful and wonderfully functional family deck area, which is just as awesome today. Jerry’s career in the grocery business began as a meat cutter at Hayden’s IGA in Greenup and progressed to store manager. During his 45-year career, he worked at grocery stores in Marshall, Charleston, and Mattoon. Jerry’s commitment to his community included serving on the Greenup Village Board and being a member of the Greenup United Methodist Church. Retirement brought great pleasure and satisfaction to Jerry as he devoted more time to his grandchildren: Courtney & Cheyene (Kit), Sophia & Catey Jane (Nate), Olivia & Jason, who was born three weeks prior to his passing, (Brandon) and great grandson, Bleu (Courtney).

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, brothers, and son.

He is survived by wife, Marjorie; children, Kit (Robin)of Hidalgo; Nathan (Kristin) of Franklin, TN; Brandon (Rebecca) of Greenup, in addition to seven grandchildren.

We will miss Jerry’s warm smile, mischievous nature, and his steadfast devotion and dedication to his family.

Understanding the current restrictions on group gatherings, a memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at the Greenup United Methodist Church at a later date. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup is assisting the family. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.