JESSE JACKSON

On December 10, 1953 in Temple, Texas, the Lord gifted Jesse Patterson and Willie Ruth Jackson with their son Jesse Ray Jackson.  His big sisters Jessie-Mae, Christine, and Wanda were very excited to have a baby brother.

As a youngster at Wheatley Elementary, Dunbar Jr. High School and Senior High School, then Temple High School, Jesse’s kind personality made it seamless for him to make so many lifelong friendships; especially with his homies James Fearce, Maurice McCullough, William Venable, and Terry Collier.  “Jesse-Ray” graduated from Temple High School in 1971; and shortly after became a proud father to his only daughter Tatisha.

It was his great honor to join the United States Army on December 29, 1976 in Omaha, Nebraska; he attended basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was assigned the military occupational specialty of Personnel Record Specialist.  His awards included, The Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (Germany), Good Conduct Medal, Drivers Badge, and an Army Commendation Medal.  He deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm; and lastly, served in the United States National Guard.

At an early age, Jesse dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, and years later made Dallas-Fort Worth his home where he attended churches and was known for being a humanitarian that gave back to his community.

As the only son, he was a loving protective big brother to his baby sisters Sharon and Mary-Ruth; he was an avid fisherman; loved a good game of Chess; and watching wrestling with his dad, Willie “Hubba Bubba” Davis.  Seattle, Washington, and Barstow, California were places he visited his sisters’ families, during his many travels.  He deeply loved his family; his most honorable act of service was being the caretaker for his mother whom he affectionately called, “Madea” (Ducy Davis).  As her companion she taught him how to play spades and dominos.

Mr. Jackson is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Jessie Mae Patterson, and Wanda McLendon, (Thomas); and nephew Johnny Armstrong III.  Left to honor his legacy are his sisters, Christine Mills (Larry), Sharon Roberts (Johnny), and Mary Davis; his daughter Tatisha Dunham (Gregory); grandchildren, DenKia, Gregory III; and bonus grandchildren, Destyne, Gregory II, Alec; and 3 great grandchildren, Kaiden, Legacy, Alec II; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.