Obituary for George Jackson Jr.
George Jackson Jr. was born to Mamie Lou Alexander and George Sr. on August 3, 1924 in Houston, Texas. He was the second oldest of 9 brothers and sisters. He attended Bruce Elementary School and at 16 was the youngest at the time to graduate from Phyllis Wheatley High School. After his graduation he was accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a very impressive accomplishment for the time. He attended Prairie View A&M in Texas for two years before he was drafted to the U.S. Navy where he completed his service as a machinist. During his time in the Navy he continued to expand his knowledge by completing classes in engineering, architecture, mathematics and more. He was a math whiz!! George received several certifications during this time. He was first stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station and then the Naval Air Station in Alameda California, working as a machinist. Once honorably discharged from the service in 1946 he relocated to Chicago, IL.
While on a trip home to Houston in August of 1950, to stand as the best man for his best friend, he met the beautiful maid of honor to the bride. Her name was Doris Jean Kerl and his life, would never be the same. George returned to Chicago and after this initial meeting George and Doris communicated only through letters for the next four months. He ultimately proposed via the mail with a ring enclosed with the letter. He was clearly doing some impressive courting because her reply was “Yes”, and they we married on December 24, 1950. Their wedding day was only the second meeting seeing each other face to face!!
George worked in many capacities during his life; at the Airmail Field at Midway, and as a machinist and supervisor at the Electromotive Division of General Motors. He ended his career working for the Avildsen Tool and Dye Company.
George and Doris spent the next few decades building a life and family together with an emphasis on family, which was their main their priority. Byron Livingston Jackson and Annette Rene Jackson were born of this Union. He was always an active husband and parent, and known by all to be the most loving and doting father. Once he became a grandparent first to Aaron Kendall Hughes (1994) and then to Kyla Nicole Hughes (1995) his and our lives would never be the same. Those two became the center and joy of his life. All of Aaron and Kyla’s friends adopted Pop Pop as their own.
Especially in their post-retirement years and George and Doris were able to travel by land air and sea, to see the world together. Italy, France, Asia, Australia and many more destinations played host to this happy couple.
George was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and four brothers. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Doris Jackson ; one daughter, Annette; one son, Byron ; two grandchildren, Aaron and Kyla; one sister Veada and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances.
On March 23rd 2023, George passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. He will fondly be remembered as everyone's Dad and everyone’s ‘Pop Pop’.
While on a trip home to Houston in August of 1950, to stand as the best man for his best friend, he met the beautiful maid of honor to the bride. Her name was Doris Jean Kerl and his life, would never be the same. George returned to Chicago and after this initial meeting George and Doris communicated only through letters for the next four months. He ultimately proposed via the mail with a ring enclosed with the letter. He was clearly doing some impressive courting because her reply was “Yes”, and they we married on December 24, 1950. Their wedding day was only the second meeting seeing each other face to face!!
George worked in many capacities during his life; at the Airmail Field at Midway, and as a machinist and supervisor at the Electromotive Division of General Motors. He ended his career working for the Avildsen Tool and Dye Company.
George and Doris spent the next few decades building a life and family together with an emphasis on family, which was their main their priority. Byron Livingston Jackson and Annette Rene Jackson were born of this Union. He was always an active husband and parent, and known by all to be the most loving and doting father. Once he became a grandparent first to Aaron Kendall Hughes (1994) and then to Kyla Nicole Hughes (1995) his and our lives would never be the same. Those two became the center and joy of his life. All of Aaron and Kyla’s friends adopted Pop Pop as their own.
Especially in their post-retirement years and George and Doris were able to travel by land air and sea, to see the world together. Italy, France, Asia, Australia and many more destinations played host to this happy couple.
George was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and four brothers. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Doris Jackson ; one daughter, Annette; one son, Byron ; two grandchildren, Aaron and Kyla; one sister Veada and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances.
On March 23rd 2023, George passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. He will fondly be remembered as everyone's Dad and everyone’s ‘Pop Pop’.