Robert Jackson

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend Robert (Bob) Jackson, was 85 years old when he was called home to be with our lord on February 26, 2021. He was born of humble beginnings in 1935 in Boley, Oklahoma. The Sooner State could not hold such an ambitious young man and at the age of 9, he and his family moved to San Francisco, California. By the age of 12, he was already exhibiting both maturity beyond his years and a tremendous can-do attitude. At this young age, he would ride the Market St trolley to downtown where he would shine shoes. This endeavor paid for his favorite activity at the time, watching movies in the theatre while eating popcorn and candy.

At 18 years old he graduated from Mendota High School and then sought to join the United States Air Force. He and his cousin actually walked from Mendota to Fresno (some 30 miles) to enlist. Bob distinguished himself in the Air Force starting as an Airmen, then rising to the highest enlisted rank possible, Chief Master Sargent. His 30 year service in uniform culminated with him serving as the Director of Administration for the Ballistic Missile Organization. This position had only previously been held by field grade senior officers.

During his time serving our country in uniform, he met and married the love of his life Sylvia Jackson on June 26, 1959. Their blessed union spanned some 61 years and produced 5 children, Sheila Powers, Robert Jackson, Bryan Jackson, Lynn Jackson and Ron Jackson who all survived his passing. The family has continued to grow, and at the time of his passing, Bob has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

While serving in the Air Force, and working part-time jobs in the evening, he also found time to go back to school and earn his Bachelor’s degree from Chapman University and also pursued graduate work from this same institution. This torrent of activity did not stop him from playing an active role in his children’s lives, often coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams.

After leaving the military, he continued his pursuit of service to the American people by working some 14 years for the Social Security Administration. In this position he helped countless numbers of individuals often at very difficult times in their lives.

Bob was all about family. He never wanted to be absent from his beloved wife Sylvia and greatly enjoyed spending all of his non-working time with family. He was very competitive and upon family visiting his home, he would quickly challenge them to a game of dominos or cards. Playing such games with him was always fun, but he certainly hated to lose!

Bob was a tremendous role model and he will be greatly missed. His legacy of service to our nation and love for his family will live on in our hearts forever.