Surrounded by love, Gordon Henry Jackson, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Gordon was born on December 27, 1946, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to the late Robert Irvin Jackson and the late Mary Ann (Jackson) Jackson. Despite living much of his adult life in Pennsylvania, he was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes fan and would often watch games and celebrate wins with friends and family.
As the youngest sibling in a large family, Gordon had six older brothers and three older sisters. More than a couple of them would say that, as the baby, “Hank” (as he was affectionately referred to by family) was definitely spoiled; although he would outwardly deny it, he knew it to be true. Hank felt immense love, affection, and pride in being a Jackson; being a Jackson meant being home, and that feeling would continue throughout his lifetime.
As a boy, Gordon participated in Boy Scouts, where he developed a love of camping and the outdoors that would remain with him throughout adulthood. Years later, he proudly supported both of his sons through their Boy Scout journeys. Gordon graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1964. Although he played football and participated in other activities, music would become the one thing most important to him in school. “Gordy,” as his close friends and future colleagues called him, played the trombone and sang in the advanced choir. He went on to march with the Bellefontaine Angels drum corps, and eventually became an instructor for both the Marion Cadets and the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps. His love of music remained throughout life, and was something that he passed down and shared with his children and grandchildren.
Gordon continued school on scholarship at Central State University, an HBCU in Wilberforce, Ohio. At the age of 20, he was commissioned in the United States Army and served in an artillery unit in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant.
After his discharge, Gordon returned to Ohio. In lieu of completing a bachelor’s degree, he made the decision to begin his career when offered a job in computer programming. He spent the next 35+ years working as a programmer and project manager for companies such as Warner Amex and Data General. In 2009, Gordon medically retired after suffering a traumatic brain injury. He lived his remaining years enjoying the company of his family and his beloved dogs.
Gordon is survived by the love of his life and wife of 34 years, Janet Louise (Boyd) Jackson; and three children – Heather (Daniel) Rigsbee, Mark (Kristen) Jackson, and Carl (Chrissy Gray) Jackson. He also leaves behind grandchildren Megan, Allison, Celeste, Razz, Denver, Jack, and Aurora; sister Christine (late Earl) Stewart; many nieces and nephews; and Agnes Jackson, mother of his first children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mona (Vernie) Howard and Barbara (Gordon) Riley; and brothers Harry (Lesta) Jackson, Robert (Deloris) Jackson, Larry Jackson, William Jackson, John (Jacquie) Jackson, and Charles (Marilyn) Jackson.
Gordon’s love and spirit will live on in those of us that were closest to him. A memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a later date.