Jerry F. Jackson, 70

Born: March 27, 1942

Died: Oct. 29, 2012

Jerry’s life began on March 27, 1942, in Risco, Mo., the son of Dee and Fanette (Shipley) Jackson.

He was united in marriage to the former Angela Swanner on Oct. 4, 1980, in Bangor.

Jerry was employed by Rudy Manufacturing (Sundstrand) for 45 years in Dowagiac, however his real vocation was his ministry. Jerry served as youth leader, associate pastor and finally senior pastor at Victory Tabernacle Church in Dowagiac for 32 years.

He was well known for the perpetually filled candy jar on his desk and his love in Christ for his fellow man. Jerry’s life was truly that of service to Christ and to his family.

His loving family includes: his wife, Angela of Dowagiac; children, Eddie Jackson of Coloma, Traci Jackson-LaJerrmpert of Dowagiac, Andrew Jackson of Dowagiac, Jason Michael of Dowagiac and Katie Wright-Van Tierra of El Paso, Texas; grandchildren, Adam Hawkins, Troy Hawkins, Dakota Lampert, Nathan Michael and Zoe Michael; one great-grandchild, Kierra Hawkins; sisters, Shelby Merrick of Coloma, Delois Jackson of Watervliet, Paulette Kiser of Watervliet, Kim Wolf of Watervliet, Becky Jackson of Monroe and Linnie VanArkel of Berrien Center; brother, Doral Jackson of Watervliet; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Barbara Carp and Mary Cantrell.

His family will gather with friends on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Victory Tabernacle Church (Middle Crossing Road), Dowagiac, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday led by Pastor Starley Baker.  He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Victory Tabernacle youth.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving the family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jerry at www.yazel-clark.com.