John "Dave" David Jackson

If there ever was someone that could be described as a “Good ole Bakersfield Boy”, it was Dave. He was tough as nails, hard working, full of integrity and fiercely loyal to family and country. Dave always rooted for and helped any “underdog” he met.

With the passing of Dave, we feel great sadness as well as feelings of gratitude. We truly lost one of the best.

His father hopped the railroad cars in the 1940’s to make his way from Arkansas to Bakersfield and sent for his wife Marie and their son Dave, once he had obtained work and a place for them to live.

Dave was born on March 21, 1939 to John and Marie Jackson, in Waldron, Arkansas, the first of two children. Dave attended East Bakersfield High School, graduating in 1957, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Dave was later inducted into the East Bakersfield Hall of Fame.

If you knew Dave well, you knew that he was a great patriot who loved his country deeply. Dave served two tours of duty as a soldier in the United States Army. Dave loved our veterans and there wasn't a veterans charity that he did not contribute to.

Dave had a distinguished career as a member of the Bakersfield City Police Department. He was known by his fellow officers as a great partner, colleague, and leader. Dave was known for having a commanding and , when needed, intimidating presence. Countless are the stories from fellow officers in which Dave arrived on the scene of a difficult situation, only to have the situation neutralized within minutes or even seconds of his arrival.

Dave had many memorable accomplishments. As a boxing coach Dave took the BPD boxing team to the Police Olympics where all of his boxers medaled. Dave was also heavily involved in the Police Explorer program, Baker to Vegas charity run, Police Activities league, the Memorial Run fundraiser and for many years he was a referee in the ring for the Battle of the Badges charity events. Dave retired from the Bakersfield City Police department in 1999 as a Captain.

Dave loved his wife, soulmate and best friend Dee Dee with all of his being. The two of them had a genuine and unique love. Dave loved his kids, his many grandkids, and great grandkids. Despite the sheer numbers to keep track of, he always knew what all of them were doing and loved to proudly recount the events of their lives and accomplishments.

Dave was preceded in death by his father and mother John and Marie and daughter, Paige. He is survived by his wife DeeDee, sister Sherry(Ed), sons Blake (Lisa), Rhett (Julie), and Tommy (Barbara). Daughters Wendy (Mike), and Marnie (Boyd). He was blessed with 28 Grandchildren, Bo, Blake, Bradley, Mitchell, Kevin, Janna, Brooke, Joseph, Emily, Seth, Tarin, J.D., Jack, Kaitlyn, Breanna, Thomas, Richy, Brandon, Gavin, Alysha, Blake, Marrisa, Adam, Taylor, Jared, Spencer, Jenna, Nathan as well as 27 great grandchildren.

Visitation, Monday February 07, 2022 from 4-8:00pm in the Chapel at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield.

Celebration of Life, Tuesday, February 08, 2022 at 10:00am at Canyon Hills Assembly of God, located at 7001 Auburn St, Bakersfield.

Graveside to follow, at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield. Laid to rest in Lake View Garden.

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