Jere W. Jackson, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Independence, Missouri, on September 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Burton and Evelyn (McKinster) Jackson on March 11, 1941, and raised in Barnard, Kansas.
Upon graduating from Barnard High School in 1959, Jere attended Fort Hays State University where he met his wife of 64 years, Elaine K. Brown of Paradise, Kansas. The couple settled in Independence, Missouri in 1960 where they built a wonderful life full of lifelong friendships in their neighborhood on 45th Street and as active members at Christ United Methodist Church.
Jere enjoyed a successful career as a mechanical engineer and was the family handyman, fixing everything from cars to garbage disposals. He faithfully and enthusiastically attended each and every family activity and sporting event and was an avid fan of Elaine’s piano students over the years. He was also a great singer himself in both the church choir and men’s quartet, the Faithful Four. He loved westerns, football, the outdoors and all animals except the moles that dug up his yard. Jere was well-known for being a tireless, generous and kind man with the greatest sense of humor. He was incredibly hard-working, attentive and devoted to his family, friends, and faith. He shared his positive spirit with all who knew him, along with a good joke and an ornery grin.
Jere was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, Jane Ann Eikleberry, and brother-in-law, Ernie.
He leaves his wife, Elaine; daughters, Lori Grubb (Jeffrey) and Jennifer Garrett (Tracy); grandsons, Jason Grubb (Alexis), Justin Grubb, and Grant Garrett; as well as four great grandchildren. He also leaves brother-in-law, Myron Brown (Shirley); sister-in-law, Marilyn Bandy (Ron); four nieces, one nephew and their families; assorted other family members and countless dear friends and neighbors.
The visitation and funeral will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 East 39th Street South, Independence on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lobb Cemetery in Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
