Mr. John Edward Jackson

***NOTE: Visitation and Funeral Service Locations Listed Below**** John Edward Jackson passed away on January 1, 2020 at 11:05 a.m., with his wife, Carrie Jackson by his bedside at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, MI at the young age of 56. John was diagnosed with a rare and untreatable cancer on November 27, 2019 and fought every day to beat the disease with a continued hold of strong faith in the Lord. John also suffered a stroke during this time and continued to fight every day. He had a strong support system by his side 24 hours a day which consisted of his wife Carrie, son Tray, and his daughter Laila who never left his side. John also had many visits from his family, church family and friends. John was born on July 16, 1963 in Belzoni Mississippi to Louise Jackson and Odies Van Willis. He and his family moved to Chicago, IL when John was a young boy where he attended Albert Einstein Elementary School. John then attended Farragut Career Academy High School until he graduated in 1983. He was an All American in Basketball, Football and Swimming. John worked for the Chicago Park District in Chicago, IL during his years in high school. In 1990, John moved to Michigan and united in marriage to Carrie Jackson and to this union two children were born, Tray Ali Jackson and Laila Rosa Jackson. In 2010, he chose to move his family to the suburbs of Chicago, IL where he attended Harper College in Palatine, IL for Coaching. In 2013, John and his family moved to Portage, MI where John attended Kalamazoo Community College for Entrepreneurship and Business to start his own company, Real Property Solutions. John joined First United Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, MI in 2014; under the leadership of Pastor Lenzy E. Bell and First Lady Lori Ann Bell. He was a part of the Men’s Choir, Mass Choir and the New Beginning’s Choir. John also became a Trustee of the church in 2016. John was a devoted, loyal, honest, kind-hearted, loving, protective and faith carrying Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. He was not afraid to speak his mind and tell it how it was. If you didn’t want to hear the truth, then it should not have been said or done around John, because his honesty and integrity would step in with his mercy and grace and tell you how it was going to be done! John’s heart was so big that he was there for everyone day or night, whenever they needed him. He always made sure that everyone was comfortable and well fed! John also made sure that his wife and children as well as himself had the best of everything. He also made sure his wife and children, as well as himself, were dressed and smelling good at all times! John did not believe in half-steppin’! John loved sports, especially Chicago Sports. He made sure he was able to watch all Bulls, Bears and Cubs games. He also loved to spend time with family, friends and especially his wife and children. John enjoyed spending time in his back yard; swimming in the in-ground pool, playing basketball on the court he built and designed, playing with his 1964 Chevy Impala SS in his custom-built Pole Barn. He also enjoyed riding 4 wheelers and mowing the lawn with his wife and children as well as spending time in his custom entertainment rooms inside of the house. John was a family man and wherever you would see John, you would see Carrie, Tray and Laila. He designed the home that they have in Portage, MI and loved every minute of it. He loved life and making everyone love life as well! John was preceded in death by his father, Odies Van Willis; his brother, Rufus Milton and niece, Dominique Hobson. He was also preceded in death by many other family members that are in our memories. John is survived by his wife, Carrie Jo Jackson, his son, Tray Ali Jackson and his daughter, Laila Rosa Jackson all of Portage, MI; his mother, Louise Jackson (John Rushing) of Chicago, IL; 7 sisters, Dorothy Jackson, Hazel Jackson both of Chicago, IL, Lelia Brooks of Ozark, AL; WillieAnn Rainey, Sherry Jackson, Linda Faye Jackson and Linda R. Willis of Chicago, IL; 3 brothers, Jesse Jackson, Odes J. Jackson and Leonard Willis all of Chicago, IL; father-in-law, George Charles Casey and Mother-in-law, Judith Kay Casey both of Gladwin, MI; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Also, Special Honorary “family” members: Pastor Lenzy E. Bell, First Lady Lori Ann Bell Mother Willie White, Odell M. Snell (Stephine) all of Kalamazoo, MI and Dukes Whitfield (Kim) and Mother Janie Reed all of Portage, MI.

Mr. John Edward Jackson

July 16, 1963 - January 1, 2020