James Larry "Pops" Jackson

James Larry "Pops" Jackson, 77, passed away on Aug. 13, 2025, after courageously battling heart disease. He was born on Oct. 3, 1947, in Searcy, Ark., to James Lloyd Jackson and Bobby Jean Bevills Jackson. The oldest of three children, he was raised in Rock Island, Ill., and graduated from Rock Island High School in 1965.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a cook and later in the Army National Guard. His love for his country ran deep throughout his life.

Known to everyone as "Pops," Larry had a gift for bringing laughter wherever he went. A natural class clown in school, he carried that fun-loving spirit with him through the years, always making sure those around him were enjoying themselves. He had a lifelong passion for baseball – playing through his school years and later coaching both his children and grandchildren. An avid fisherman, he especially cherished time spent on the water with his two boys.

Larry enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including playing piano, bowling and going to yard sales. In his later years, dancing became one of his greatest joys. He often spoke fondly of the special friends he made and the good times they shared together.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, James Colton Jackson; his great-grandson, Nathen Neil Jackson; and his brother-in-law, Steve Johnson.

Larry is survived by his sons, James Craig Jackson (Nancy) of Glen St. Mary, Fla., and Christopher Alan Jackson (Carole) of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, James Troy Jackson (Rachael) of Macclenny, Fla., Dalton Boyd Jackson (Whitley) of Glen St. Mary, Fla., and Angel Miranda Lee Jackson (Thomas) of Macclenny, Fla.; and 10 great-grandchildren: Max, Ramsey, Kynlee, Avery, Anastasia, JD, Luna, Ace, Ember and Phoenix. He is also survived by his sister, Rhonda Johnson of Bettendorf, Ill.; his brother, Robert Lloyd Jackson (Sherri) of Searcy, Ark.; and their two daughters, Ashley and Hallie.

Larry will be remembered for his humor, his love of family and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Cole Funeral Home in Kensett, Ark., on Aug. 23 at 4 p.m.