John Charles Lee Jackson

John Charles Lee Jackson, age 58, of Jones County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Born in Milledgeville, Georgia, on November 11, 1966, John lived a life marked by strength, grit, and a heart that held more love than most ever knew.
He lived his life like a quiet warrior, brave, determined, and always pushing forward. Even when the battle was invisible to others and the weight he carried was heavy, John faced each day with resilience. His journey was not easy, but he fought with everything he had until the very end. Now, his fight is over, and he's finally at peace. John deeply loved his family and found joy in the simple things: fast cars and trucks (especially Mustangs and box Chevys), JJ the Boston Terrier, flying Cessnas, Godfathers Pizza, Brussel sprouts, cold beer, Porsche (Janie despised how he pronounced it), NASCAR Sundays, The Culture Club on the radio, and his beloved "Gray Lightning." He used to run Lee's Autobody and the proud former owner of J & J Automotive, and for the record, the "J and J" stood for Janie and John, no matter how he teased.
He leaves behind his devoted daughter, Janie (Jason) Gatlin; grandchildren, Austin Keene, Addison Lamkin, Channan Lamkin, Brooklyn Yancy, Jamisyn Gatlin, and Olivia Gatlin; and great-grandson, Elijah Carey Keene. He is also survived by his loving step-mother, Bobbie Simoneaux; very special life-long friend, Kim Jackson; siblings, Glen (Kellie) Manning, Haley Jackson (Andy) Moreland, and Blue (Michelle Lucero) Jackson; nieces and nephews, Cody Manning, Halee Manning, Oliver Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Max Jackson, and Mia Jackson; and a host of cousins whom he loved dearly, Angela Self, Buddy Howell, Anna (Kyle) Byram, Amber (Daniel) Hodge, Natalee Byram, Brayden Byram, Cooper Byram, Chase Byram, Colton Hodge, and Dallas Hodge. John was preceded in death by his parents, James G. Manning and Linda Manning, and his grandparents, Jessie Mae Powell and Charles Edward Rogers.
To know John was to know laughter, loud, full, and completely contagious. His laugh wasn't just a sound; it was a presence. It filled rooms, lifted spirits, and became a signature of who he was. That laugh will echo in our hearts forever. From him, we learned that true strength isn't always loud, it's found in quiet endurance. John carried burdens few ever saw, and his courage in doing so remains a testament to the depth of his spirit. He taught us compassion, resilience, and that even the strongest hearts can break. John would want to be remembered simply: as a man. A daddy. A brother, cousin, and friend. A fighter. An ASE Certified Master Mechanic. The man who used to run Lee's. The owner of J & J. And most of all, a father whose memory lives on in the ones he loved most.
"Daddy, please get your rest. I'll take it from here. I'll fix the bloodline."
"See, now is a time for courage! I guess you already know that there are angels masquerading as people walking around this planet, and your daddy was the bravest one."
- Love, Your Bee Charmer
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Macon Mental Health Matters, 136 Macon W Dr, Macon, GA 31210 | (877) 459-4116 | www.maconmentalhealthmatters.com
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Jackson family. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared at graymemorialchapel.com.