Gary R. Jackson

Gary R. Jackson, 74, Mooresville, died September 21, 2013, in his residence. Gary was born the 13th of June, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. His father, Ray C. Jackson, and mother, Genevieve Jackson are both deceased.

Gary worked 37 years for New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail, and CSX Railroads. He was hired as a radio maintainer and retired as safety director of the communications department. He concurrently worked 30 years as a union rep and officer of IBEW Local 784, with eleven years as local president. Gary served as co=chairman, facilitator, and coordinator for the Association of American Railroads.

He received many awards and citations. The most notable of which was a Corp. Award for organizing a massive and extensive cleanup of a major electronic railroad yard with labor and management participating at the ground level. That was a first for Conrail and the railroad industry. For that, he was invited to give a speech at Balley’s in Atlantic City, NJ to the outgoing and incoming CEO’s, their Corp. staff, and other notables of Conrail.

ON the labor side, President Gary organized the first Labor Day Parade float for IBEW Local 784. He authored the IBEW Local 784 newsletter for 20 years and many in-house papers for the Railroad, Union, and Committee G of the AAR.

Prior to working for the railroads and union, Gary worked as an electronic-mathematics instructor for the United States Air Force, the United States Army, The United States Navy and Sams Technical Institute.

While in high school, he organized the Mt. Vernon Aeronautical Society, a high school sponsored function.

He held a commercial pilot’s license, multi-engine rated, instrument flying rated as well as a certified flight instructor. He earned an FCC Radiotelephone First Class license with radar endorsement and an amateur radio license, advanced class with call sign WA9SIS.

He was the 24/7 palliative caregiver for his wife Delores during the remaining months of her life. His remaining time was spent studying Eastern traditions, meditating, and the practice of Metta.

He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Andrew Jackson and wife, Delores M. Jackson; granddaughter, Ashley Jackson; daughter, Debbie Jahn. Survivors include his sons, Erik S. Jackson and Gary Ray Jackson, Jr.; grandchildren, Ericka Jackson and Thomas Jackson; great grandchild, Atticus Phillips.

Visitation will not be observed. A private graveside service will be held in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Carlisle - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville is handling arrangements. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.