Joe Jackson, Jr.

Joe Jackson, Jr. was born to Molly and Joe Jackson, Sr. on Sunday, September 18, 1932. He was the 16th child of 18 siblings. Joe attended Gadson County Schools as a child and graduated from Stevens High School.

Joe enlisted in the US Army at the age of 20 and was almost immediately shipped off to serve in the Korean War. Once he returned, he was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY and went to jump school. He loved jumping and became a Master Parachutist quickly.

On July 31, 1954, he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, the former, Ruby L. Duncan. To this union, four children were born; Brenda, Joe III, Michelle, and Duncan.

Joe loved being a Soldier and rose through the ranks quickly with military service, including multiple tours in Vietnam and assignments worldwide, including Okinawa, Japan, Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Liberty (Bragg), NC.

After 30 years of active service, Joe retired from the Army in February of 1982 with his last assignment in the 82nd Airborne Division. Shortly after his retirement, he put the uniform back on and continued his service as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor with Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC. The retired Sergeant Major instilled basic soldier skills and discipline to hundreds of future service members throughout his 16-year second career as the assistant military instructor.

Both Joe and Ruby retired from Cumberland County Schools and headed south for Florida in 1999. They settled in Suntree and began to travel around the country visiting their children and grandchildren and numerous cruise vacations. They joined the Lions Club in 2004 and served for 19 years. Additionally, Joe was a life member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association, Inc (Triple-Nickel).

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and 17 brothers and sisters.

Loving memories are cherished by his wife of 69 years and his four children (Brenda, Joe III (Sandra), Michelle and Duncan), seven grandchildren (Vincent Ellis (Debbie), Justin, Erica, Lauren, Joe IV, Danielle, and Katelyn), three great-grandchildren (Milania, Miles, and Giana), and many Army friends, along with a host of nieces and nephews, and friends.

A visitation gathering of family and friends for Joe will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940, followed by a celebration of life at 10:30 AM.

Military honors and burial will occur Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 2pm, Lane A, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, FL 32754

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Haven for Children.

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