Jay Matthew Jackson

Jay Matthew Jackson, 57, passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2024 in Nixa, MO. He was the son of John S. and Rosemary Harrrell Jackson, born in Tulsa, OK on January 23, 1967.
His early life was spent in and around Detroit, MI before his family moved to Springfield, MO in 1976. Jay graduated from Kickapoo High School in 1985 and was a member at First Baptist Church in Downtown Springfield, MO where he was the administrator of the youth group alumni network. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Opera Performance from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. As an undergraduate, Jay studied British Art and Architecture abroad at Harlaxton College in England. These experiences shaped his approach to The Arts and left a lasting impression. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Opera Performance/Stage Direction from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
Jay spent over three decades as a renowned opera stage director, leading shows in New York City, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tokyo, Boston, Houston, Palm Beach, and more. During his 11-year tenure as stage director of the Chautauqua Music Festival in upstate New York, Jay mounted 25 fully produced operas. He most recently served as the Resident Stage Director/Community Engagement Coordinator at the Ozarks Lyric Opera. Jay was a creative visionary with a gift for beautifully transforming operatic antiquities into modern fanfare. Above all, Jay was beloved and admired by his entire cast and crew.
Alongside his career, Jay cared sacrificially for his late father, John S., late brother, Joel Douglas, and mother, Rosemary H., and provided unconditional support and encouragement to his sister, April Speed. His most beloved role, however, was as Uncle Jay to his two nieces, Alexis Marin, 27, and Sophia Nicole, 24; and two nephews, Jackson Wray, 20, and Gram Colin, 18. Nothing brought him more joy than to watch his nieces and nephews reach their full potential. Jay was a faithful servant of the Lord at First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and actively participated in the life of the church.
Jay is survived by his mother, Rosemary; his sister, April, her husband, Paul, and their two sons, Jackson and Gram; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Jackson, and her two daughters, Alexis (husband, Ezekiel) and Sophia. Jay was preceded in death by his father, John, and his brother, Joel. Jay will be missed forever by many more relatives and friends, including his lifelong friend, Brian Bockman.
Visitation will be held Wednesday morning at 10 AM in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Springfield immediately followed by services at 11 AM with the Reverend Michael Overton officiating. Reception will follow at the Gallery at Gillioz Theatre, 2nd Floor. Memorials can be made in Jay's name to the Ozarks Lyric Opera as a contribution to the legacy he left on The Arts.
Live Stream Service: https://live.fbcspringfield.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvW9pViiBdY