Name: Visitation for David Jackson
Start: 2016-12-13T17:30:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-13T18:45:00.000Z
Location: Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Canton

David (Gerald) Jackson

Clyde - David (Gerald) Jackson, 69, died peacefully with family members December 9, 2016 at the Homestead.

Gerald was the youngest son of J. Sam and Winnie Jackson, deceased and life-long residents of Clyde, NC. A US Navy veteran, Gerald served on the USS New Orleans, a helicopter carrier during the Viet Nam War. Gerald was a member of the 1965 Clyde High graduating class, attended AB Tech studying electronics and served as an electronics technician during his stint in the US Navy being honorably discharged in 1975. During his early years he is remembered as the jovial DJ (Disc Jockey) on radio station WWIT in Canton.

Gerald suffered a double brain aneurysm after his Navy service, at the young age of 32, leaving him paralyzed on his left side, and wheel-chair bound for the next 37 years. During this time he was also afflicted with cancer and kidney disease for his last 7 years of life requiring 100's of trips to Oteen VA Hospital for surgery and treatment. Although he detested his afflictions, he kept a sense of humor until the very end and was not one to complain.

Preceding Gerald in death are six brothers and sisters, Edwin Jackson, Evelyn Jackson Burris, Aileen Jackson Curtis, Newell Jackson, Donald Jackson, and Jean Jackson Cogburn. He has two surviving brothers, Paul (and wife Phyllis) Jackson of Waynesville, and Ray (and wife Carol Jackson) of Clyde.

Gerald was a member of First Baptist Church of Clyde. He will be remembered for his persistent resolve to beat any adversity thrown at him, and cure for boredom ….. which was listening to music and researching encyclopedias. His 37 years of survival was testimony to that resolve.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Michael Leatherwood officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to assist cancer and/or kidney disease cure.

An online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Dec. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Jackson

Sponsored by Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Canton.

10 Entries

Ray Jackson

December 15, 2016

Being seven years older than Brother Gerald, I never really got to know him early-on. After my retirement, and later on during his disability, Paul and I took on Gerald's care and transporting him to Oteen Hospital for his many, treatments for paralysis, cancer and kidney disease. During those trips, and although he detested his physical condition, I was amazed at his positive attitude. He never complained, eventually enduring 37 years before being over-whelmed with those maladies. He was a real champion at handling adversities. I grew to love him dearly... and still do.

Ray Jackson

December 15, 2016

Remembering your great love story today and always.

Heather Lee

December 14, 2016

Thinking of you all. Sorry we could not make itHeather Lee, Kevin and Karter Beck

Ray and Paul Jackson

December 13, 2016

Paul and I want to recognize Gerald's niece, Mary Ann Morgan for her early-on care of Gerald.
Thanks so much...

Typical Gerald "At home" day

Gerald Jackson

December 13, 2016

Joe Williams

December 13, 2016

I have know Gerald most of my life. He called me many time advising me of some specials or if Ray had brought him something good to eat he wanted me to try. He would always say it is gooood. The next time he called I anticipated his next question. How was it, or did you try it? Sometimes I would fudge because his list was very lengthy. I would just say that was great. I will remember with fondness our friendship. David endured so much and demanded so little. Good Bye to my Good Friend.. Joe Williams Class of 1965.

jordan minton

December 13, 2016

I am so sorry for the passing of Gerald, we love you guys very much and will continue to pray for your family. We are so grateful for his service to our country, he has always been a trooper with a great attitude. He will be missed very much. With sympathy, the Mintons

Ray Jackson

December 12, 2016

Being a brother and seven years older than Gerald, I never really got to know him closely when younger. After my retirement many years later, and during his disablement, Brother Paul and I took on caring and transporting him to the VA hospital hundreds of times. Although he despised his afflictions, I was amazed that after 30+ years of afflictions (brain surgery ,tumor radiation, chemotherapy, and many surgeries) that he could continue such a positive attitude and determination to beat any adversity and not complain. He was a real champion.
I grew to love him as part of myself....and still do.

December 12, 2016

Rest in Peace..we love you

Ray and Carol

Ray Jackson

December 10, 2016

I want to thank Gerald's Caregivers who have done so much for him over the past months and years. They are Vonda Hunter, Ronnie Bergman, Cindy May, Robin Kirkpatrick, and Shirley Cogburn. Take a bow Ladies!

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