Gerald L. Jackson of Bismarck, Il. passed away on March 1st, 2021 at the young age of 70.
Gerald was born on October 18th,1950 in Franklin, Indiana to Albert and Mildred Jackson. Both preceded him in death. He grew up with 10 siblings and attended Mooresville, IN schools.
He married the love of his life Amy Jackson on January 18th,1983. She survives along with their 3 sons, Brandon (Lauren) Jackson, Ben (Christina) Jackson and Blake (Megan) Jackson. He also leaves behind his nine beloved grandchildren. Mackenzie Jackson, Marissa Ohler, Madelyn Vice, Mia Ohler, Jase Jackson, Josey Jackson, Sterling Jackson, Bodey Jackson and Syrus Jackson. His wife’s siblings and their spouses were very special to him and he loved them like his own. Many nieces and nephews, more friends than you can ever imagine, including a few very special to him. Danny Ribbe and Porky & Tina Dicken.
Gerald spent years working at Consolidated Grain in Bismarck and spent the rest of his time working as a Steel Fabricator. Very rarely would you be able to catch him taking a break from work, whether it be his full-time job or projects around the house, he never stopped. He wanted to help his boys with everything they were building, he made many special items for Amy and he always came up with something to put together. His ambition to keep pushing forward and keep working was nothing less than admirable.
His grandchildren were the piece that completed his life puzzle, and he spent every single second he could with them. You could always find him walking around somewhere holding a baby, gardening with the younger kids and of course cracking his infamous jokes at the older ones. His ability to tell a joke in any given situation was one of the most beautiful attributes he possessed.
The love he had for Amy and his boys was so incredibly special. He never missed an opportunity to let her know she was loved and appreciated, and not a night went by that he did not call the boys to check in and see what they were eating for dinner. He had a strong love for life, every move he made was done with a greater purpose and anyone who was lucky enough to know him I am sure is forever grateful for their memories with such an amazing man.
He fought a long, hard, courageous battle with cancer for 6 years and did everything he could to keep moving forward for his family. The family would like to thank Dr. Kendrith Rowland and his amazing staff for their great care for Gerald at Carle.
He will be deeply missed and always loved. Some of his last words to his family were, “I’m really going to miss you guys.” If he only knew how much we are going to miss him.
Per his request, he will be cremated at Blurton Funeral Home in Hoopeston, Illinois and there will be no services. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 211 Bismarck, Illinois and donations in Gerald’s name can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com
