Gary Jackson

Gary William Jackson was born in Creston, Iowa on March 28, 1950. Gary was one of four children born to John William and Ferne Elizabeth (Ambrose) Jackson. Gary was raised in Creston and educated in Creston public schools, graduating from Creston High School with the Class of 1969. Gary has been a hard-working man all of his life and began working, while in high school, at Hy-Vee. Following graduation, he continued working for Hy-Vee until deciding to attend Southwestern Community College. Gary graduated from SWCC and gained employment at Wellman Dynamics. On August 9, 1974, Gary was united in marriage to Joanie Kay Greenbeck and the couple was blessed with three children: Jason, Jeremiah and Tracy. The couple would later divorce. Gary would work for Wellman’s for more than 20 years, as an X-Ray Technician, retiring in 1997 due to failing health.
In retirement, Gary was passionate about rock collecting. He was very interested in how rocks were formed and identifying various kinds of rocks. He also was an avid gardener and loved tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, especially his strawberry patch. In the fall and winter, he liked cutting his own firewood as long as his health permitted. Gary was very fond of dogs, especially German Shepherds and enjoyed feeding the neighborhood squirrels.
Family members who preceded Gary in death were his parents; a brother, Albert Earl “Sonny” Jackson; two sisters-in-law: Tilley and Harriett Jackson; a brother-in-law, Pat Herr; his ex- wife and mother of his children, Joanie Epperson.
Gary is survived by his three children: son, Jason Jackson of Adair, IA (friend Annie Jackson of Casey, IA); son, Jeremiah (wife Rochelle) Jackson of Truro, IA and daughter, Tracy (husband Richard) Gray of Winterset, IA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Morgan Jackson, Christian Groumoutis, Mikayla Jackson, Myranda Jackson, Devon Jackson, Remington Jackson, Miley Jackson and Cadin Jackson; by a brother, Harold Jackson of Winterset, IA; sister, Karen Herr of Afton, IA and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.