Erik Todd Jackson

Erik Todd Jackson, 44, of Austin, Texas, passed away suddenly Saturday, June 9, 2012, at his parent's home in College Station, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at Memorial Funeral Chapel, in College Station. Texas. Reverend Jerry House will preside over the memorial service being held at 11 am Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas. Erik's final resting place will be at the Aggie Field of Honor, College Station, Texas.

Erik was born July 13, 1967 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania to John Clifton Jackson and Linda Gray Jackson. His early years were spent in Apollo, PA. Later, Erik spent several years living overseas with his family in Bermuda and Tokyo, Japan before returning to the United States in 1984 where he graduated from Klein High School in Spring, Texas in 1985. He went on to study at Texas A&M University where he received a degree in English and Philosophy in 1989. While at Texas A&M, Erik was a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and became B Company Commanding Officer. He was also a member of the Ross Volunteers and attended Ranger School at Fort Belvoir, VA. Upon graduating from A&M, he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant and later promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the US Army for which he served in the Ready Reserves for six years. Erik spent 18 years in New York City where he was able to live out his life's passion and gift of music. In 2011, he moved to Texas to be closer to family. He was a singer/songwriter who entertained audiences most recently in Austin and locally. Besides his great love for music, Erik loved being with his friends and family, especially his niece, Tori, and his nephews, Carter and Zac. He enjoyed being with children and spent many hours giving guitar lessons to several children in the area.

Erik was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elsie Mae and Floyd Johnston and Albert Gray and his paternal grandparents, Sarah Elizabeth and John Clifton Jackson, Sr.

Survivors include his parents, John and Linda Jackson of College Station; his sister and brother-in-law, Erin Jackson Frank and Chad Frank of College Station; one niece, Victoria Frank; and two nephews, Zachary Frank and Carter Frank, all of College Station. Many aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved and cherished dearly. In addition, Erik is survived by numerous friends all of who he considered family.

The family would like to thank the many people who touched his life and made his time with us so special.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be gratefully made in Erik's honor to VH1's Save the Music Foundation who share Erik's desire to ensure that music is available to all children (attn: Deniece Dykes, Foundation Officer, 1515 Broadway, 20th Floor, NY, NY 10036 or online at www.vh1savethemusic.org, Mr. Erik Jackson Memorial Foundation), the American Heart a or to a charity of your choice.

"So I thank you for the music, for giving it to me." - ABBA