Ugh. Daniel. You constantly challenged me to venture outside of my comfort zone. Our mental and emotional needs were completely polarized -- you needed ALL the people, ALL the sounds! I needed quiet and few people. I've been challenging myself, but no one challenges me like you! Miss and love you.

I still think of Daniel so very often —which always brings my thoughts, in turn, to his loving and devoted Dad and big brother. I credit the two of you with always making it clear to him through his entire rehabilitation that his dreams weren’t dashed; they were merely redirected. Then you saw to it that your words were true,  which certainly redirected your dreams, as well. He knew, and he absolutely worshipped both of you. Looking forward to the day we’ll all get to run through green pastures hand-in-hand with Daniel!

Daniel was amazing person and one of my closest friends. 

Words can't describe how much I will miss his light in my life. 

Daniel always had a ear if you needed to talk and he saw me through some difficult times. He always listened and always had something helpful to say. 

He also had a big heart and loved having fun, and we had a lot of great adventures together. Daniel was a longtime/long-suffering Houston sports fan and we enjoyed/suffered through so many games together. I spent many Texans games at his place with Ferris and Dave and the gang and it was better than any game I went to in person. 

Unique and I loved his birthday parties and I would do my best to take off from work to make it. It was THE event of the year and Dan was always obsessed with getting it right. He always nailed it. 

Daniel loved to game and we spent many hours playing games and staunchly disagreeing about whose strategy was better (If you asked Dan, his was, of course!). 

Daniel and Dave and Ferris and everybody welcomed us like we were their own. 

Daniel, you will be missed. I love you man. You are and will always be the best. 

-Cody

A beautiful gentle soul has gained his heavenly wings. Daniel R. Jackson you will be terribly missed by those who
know and love you. You lived life purposefully an inspired all who were a recipient of your dimpled megawatt smile. Until we meet again beautiful little brother, Godspeed. 
Mrs. Gloria Johnson 

Rest in peace Mr. Jackson

I'm so inspired by thinking of all the lives you impacted. Thank you for using your power to teach and spread joy. I hope it brings your family some peace to know how many loved you.

Take care,
Nicole Warnke (class of 2012) 

It’s so hard to condense the jumble of thoughts that have stormed my mind since learning of Daniel’s death. When he became a teacher, he was quite excited to inform me that he wanted to model his teaching style after mine. I was flattered terribly, of course, but I made sure to assure him posthaste that HE was one of MY greatest inspirations as a teacher, as a human being, and as a Believer. When an awful fall broke his neck the year he was a member of one of my junior English classes, Daniel stared  death in the face, then was left a severe quadriplegic when it was done.  

It was a situation that would embitter a lesser person or, at the very least, could have left him feeling helpless or useless. Dan’l had the diametrically opposite reaction. He developed a fire in his belly to become a giver, a beacon of hope, a lover of life. His rather tenuous faith became much more profound and defined. A Phoenix arose from the ashes. He became socially and spiritually outspoken, but never caustic. He not only finished high school in-person and on schedule; he also graduated UH and teacher training in the same fashion. Then when he applied to be a substitute teacher, he promptly rose to the list of one of the most sought-after, both by the students and the teachers. Appreciating every year of life he was granted, he made every birthday a major celebration that crowds of families looked forward to attending annually. Believing that “to whom much is given, much is required,” he regularly sought out ways he could serve others, not just through fundraisers, but in actively giving of his time to bring them joy through random acts of kindness. It seems to me Daniel was truly a victim of COVID because it denied him the fuel for his life force— his fellowship with others, especially as his health was already failing. When his brother posted that Dan’l’s big heart finally wore itself out, I cried for our loss, but also felt relief that he is now running & laughing  & waiting for us!

I could go on and on about how amazing Daniel was. We go back to our high school days at CLHS, but reconnected and became friends once I started teaching at Lake. He subbed for me quite a few times, and we hung out here and there. We always looked forward to his birthday parties (the monkeys that one year were just so cool!). I always loved hearing from him via phone conversations or texts. He truly was one of a kind. One of my favorite memories of Daniel is when he randomly showed up at our house with a pie, because why not? He was out and about delivering pies to friends. He was that guy who just showed up for you when you least expected it. My family and I will miss him so much. He will have a special place in our hearts forever!

Daniel was a a great substitute. He became a great friend back in the day. I appreciate all of the time he dedicated to teaching us kids. You will be dearly missed Daniel. 

Dan's Birthday's Parties stressed him out the whole year. He got so into them. No matter what else he had going on - monkeys, icee machines, pool, BBQ etc... the crowning jewel was always the cake. We would hold our breath until we saw what he ordered that year. I'm going to miss those parties.

In high school, every time I visited Dan he would make me stop at Sonic and get him a Strawberry Slushie. He would always get massive brain freezes and is the only person I knew who seemed to love them. haha. And throughout life I have so many memories of getting him Icees, slushies and snowcones.

He went through phases where for a while all he wanted was fondue and would talk about it non-stop. Then in recent years, he would crave Mr. Gatti's pizza and always wanted to eat there. It cracked me up how he loved it. He said it reminded him of his childhood. 

Next to Mr. Gatti's was this snowball place he loved to stop at - the cones were HUGE. It would get everywhere, but he loved it.

During the isolation of COVID, Dan drove 2 hours to surprise me on my birthday. When he rolled in my door, my jaw hit the floor. That’s just the kind of person he was. Nothing was ever too much a deal for a smile. He brought this cake for me that was huge and it was so sweet and really made it memorable.

One time we visited the children's museum on Star Wars day. Of course, Dan loved it! But no matter what the theme was, He would always get in to it.  He was never "too cool." He would let the kids paint his face and would wear their hand made crafts with such pride. They loved it! and it always made doing things with him so special.

Daniel took my whole family to the air show for the first time this year.  My kids were able to share a special bond as I know so many others did. He made them each feel special just for who they are. They miss you and your memory will be carried on through them. What a legacy you have left us with! We love you Uncle Dan ❤️ 

My Number #1 Butterflyer  CLC STARS!!

Thank you for your friendship over the years Daniel.  You’ve had a special spot in my heart ❤️ since the day I met you at the Oakbrook West Pool and you always will.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity  to be your friend and be a part of your life.

Thinking  of others was your top priority… you made BIG impact on my soul. 😊

I am thinking of you and will honor your memory… always   

Rest In Peace my friend. 🏊🏾‍♂️


Mr. Jackson kept in touch with hundreds, if not thousands of students even years after their graduation. What other educator can say that. Few people make as big as a positive impact in the world as he did.

He was an intelligent, kind, entertaining, thoughtful man with a one of a kind soul.
You made the world a little bit better by being in it. We will never forget you and will continue to always spread kindness the way you did for all of your students. We will miss you.

OBITUARY

Daniel Roberto Jackson

July 2, 1984 – December 10, 2021

Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery

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