Lester Thurston Jackson Jr.

FEBRUARY 1, 1936 – JANUARY 20, 2022

Lester Thurston Jackson Jr, Capt USN (ret) of Pensacola, Florida passed away from natural causes on January 20, 2022 at age 85. Les was born February 1, 1936 in Hampton Bays, New York. Les was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Gail Jackson, by his parents, Lester Thurston Jackson Sr. and Elizabeth Harmon Jackson, his brothers John and Bill Jackson and most recently his grandson, Thomas Jackson. Survivors include sons Greg Jackson (Betsy), Steve Jackson (Marti Jo), Scott Jackson (Donna), and Beth Jackson Morgan (Dennis), grandchildren, Ben Jackson, Hayley Corey and Zach and Sam Jackson, Patrick, James, and Madison Jackson, Jackson, Dennis, and Henry Morgan. Les is also survived by three great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Les graduated from Hampton Bays High School class of 1953. He went on to receive an Associate's Degree followed by a commission as a Naval Officer through the NAVCAD program. Continuing education included the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College. Les's career as a Naval Aviator included Command tours as Skipper of the Attack Squadron VA-34 Blue Blasters and Commodore, NAS Kingsville Training Wing Two. He also served as Ship’s Navigator aboard the USS Wasp during the recovery of the Gemini 4 space capsule. Among his awards are the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, numerous Air Medals, Navy Commendation medals (Combat “V”), and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Following his retirement on March 1, 1986, Capt. Jackson joined Raytheon Technologies Southeast division. Together he and his wife Pat dedicated countless volunteer hours supporting Naval Aviation shows including the Blue Angels. Les also served as a lifetime member and volunteer for the National Naval Aviation Museum. Les and Pat were active parishioners at Perdido United Methodist Church and supported numerous projects for those in need. Les enjoyed golf and travel and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather making a point to be present for all family graduations and special events.

Graveside services with military honors will be 11:30 AM March 18, 2022 at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola FL. For those wanting to attend, an escorted procession will commence from Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL at 11:00 AM sharp. The family will receive friends immediately following services at Perdido Bay Country Club.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Perdido United Methodist Church, 13360 Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola, FL 32507.