Ivey Jackson

Ben Ivey Jackson passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 after a brief illness. He is survived by his son, Ben Ivey Jackson, Jr.; son-in-law Gary Mitchell London; grandchildren: Gary Mitchell London, Jr. (Allison), Ivey Jackson London (Sara), Katherine Ivey London, and Ben Ivey Jackson III; and great grandchildren: Lenore Eva London, Milo Jackson London, James Wyatt London, and Ellie Ivey London; brother Cory Gantt Jackson (Betty); Susan Lindley Jackson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ervin Jackson; mother, Katherine Ivey Jackson; his brother and sister-in-law Ervin Jackson Jr. & Beth; his daughter, Eve London, and his wife of 56 years, Barbara “Babs” Garforth Jackson.

Ivey was born on August 24, 1930 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL and called Birmingham his home his entire life. He attended Phillips High School and graduated from Ramsey High School where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Delta fraternity. He graduated from The University of the South (Sewanee) in 1952. While at Sewanee, he was President of several student organizations (ODK, Blue Key, English Speaking Union, Phi Delta Theta fraternity) and was a four-year letterman and leader in intercollegiate tennis. Then, he graduated from Naval OCS in 1952, and served from 1952-1956 in the United States Navy, and enjoyed being a Deck Officer on the USS Midway.

After his Naval service, Ivey returned to Birmingham and joined the family business, Jackson Insurance Agency for the next 43 years. He was very interested in working with and helping others. He served on the Boards of the Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan Association, The Club, Royal Cup Coffee, Metropolitan Development Board, National Club Association, and President of the Birmingham Association of Independent Insurance Agents. He also served as Co-Chairman of United Way, Heart Fund Chairman, President of the Visiting Nurses Association, Chairman of Alabama Goodwill Industries, President and Finance Chairman of the Country Club of Birmingham, Vestry of St. Luke’s Church, President and Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and was the King of the Beaux Arts Krewe (1986).

Ivey was a man of many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed golf, tennis, traveling, magic, computers, genealogy, joke telling, and practical jokes, but his greatest love was photography—starting as a young boy and continuing his entire life, he shared his photos with all.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The University of the South (Office of University Relations, 735 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37383).

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Ivey led a truly wonderful life and appreciated the many fine people who helped him for these 93 years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Jackson family.