Raymond Jackson

Jackson, Raymond 07/03/1927 ~ 04/04/2013 SAN DIEGO -- Raymond Davis "Ray" Jackson passed away at home, peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes. He was 85. Born in Chicago, he spent part of his youth in Richmond, VA, and moved to San Diego in 1940. He attended St. Joseph's Grammar School, St. Augustine High School and Boyden Prep School. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he graduated from San Diego State College with a BA degree in Speech, although he often joked that his wife wished he had majored in Listening. He was an accomplished man of the stage, sang in a barbershop quartet and briefly worked in radio and TV. He had a long career in PR, culminating in his promotion to Community Relations Director for the San Diego Union and Evening Tribune newspapers, where he worked for 27 years. He retired in 1989. Ray was a popular emcee for many charitable events, an active member of the Lions Club and enjoyed marshalling at golf tournaments. He will be long remembered for his story-telling and jokes and wanted nothing more than to bring laughter and joy into the world. He is survived by Betty, his beloved wife of 66 years, his son, Larry, and his grandson, Brian, of Arlington, VA. A celebration of his life and a memorial mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.