Jere W. Jackson, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Independence, Missouri, on September 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Burton and Evelyn (McKinster) Jackson on March 11, 1941, and raised in Barnard, Kansas.
Upon graduating from Barnard High School in 1959, Jere attended Fort Hays State University where he met his wife of 64 years, Elaine K. Brown of Paradise, Kansas. The couple settled in Independence, Missouri in 1960 where they built a wonderful life full of lifelong friendships in their neighborhood on 45th Street and as active members at Christ United Methodist Church.
Jere enjoyed a successful career as a mechanical engineer and was the family handyman, fixing everything from cars to garbage disposals. He faithfully and enthusiastically attended each and every family activity and sporting event and was an avid fan of Elaine’s piano students over the years. He was also a great singer himself in both the church choir and men’s quartet, the Faithful Four. He loved westerns, football, the outdoors and all animals except the moles that dug up his yard. Jere was well-known for being a tireless, generous and kind man with the greatest sense of humor. He was incredibly hard-working, attentive and devoted to his family, friends, and faith. He shared his positive spirit with all who knew him, along with a good joke and an ornery grin.
Jere was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, Jane Ann Eikleberry, and brother-in-law, Ernie.
He leaves his wife, Elaine; daughters, Lori Grubb (Jeffrey) and Jennifer Garrett (Tracy); grandsons, Jason Grubb (Alexis), Justin Grubb, and Grant Garrett; as well as four great grandchildren. He also leaves brother-in-law, Myron Brown (Shirley); sister-in-law, Marilyn Bandy (Ron); four nieces, one nephew and their families; assorted other family members and countless dear friends and neighbors.
The visitation and funeral will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 East 39th Street South, Independence on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lobb Cemetery in Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
Elaine and family,
Karen and I offer our heartfelt condolences for the loss of Jere. I came to know Jere through choir and working with his wonderful wife, Elaine. Both very special people in my life for the last 10 years, plus. May you be comforted in your remembrances of his life, love, and wonderful personality. We are out of the city this week-end, but wanted you to know of the deep respect and honor it was for me to have him and Elaine as friends for the years we attended Christ UMC.
God’s Blessing & comfort for you all in this time of loss and in the days to come.
Rick Hammett
Dear Elaine. I was saddened to hear about Jere. I remember him as jovial, kind and sincere. He always made me smile. His love for you and your family was evident in the way he spoke about you. I wish you comfort and peace in knowing that he is with our Lord. Loving hugs to you and your family.
Barbara Selzer
Jere and Elaine Jackson have been our dear friends for many years.
Jere was always available to help with his truck for any reason we needed one, to deliver furniture, to help us move from one home to another.
Billie sang in choir with Jere sing with his big base sounds. He was the base in the end Quartet. Everyone will miss our good friend Jere.
Paul and Billie Foster
We are so sorry for your loss. Jere and Elaine have been our friends since 1973 and we will greatly miss Jere. He was a wonderful man who helped anyone who needed anything.
Mike and Darl Pummill
We are so sorry to learn of Jere’s passing. So glad we got to spend some time with you both recently. Blessings to you , Lori and Jennifer. You all are in our prayers.
Doug & Helen
Elaine, Lori and Jennifer, I was saddened to see the news of Jere’s passing. He was a man with a wonderful soul. His smile was always uplifting. Mom and Dad so enjoyed your family! His kindness and caring nature will always be remembered. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Melanie (Bunge) Courtney
While waiting for Lauren and Rebecca to finish their piano lessons with our beloved Elaine, I would so often go early and sit with Jere to talk, laugh and share thoughts about the news of the day. I cherish those times. Jere’s sense of humor, kindness and deep wisdom are just a few of his many wonderful qualities, all of which will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Shelley and I will always treasure the wonderful dinners and special times shared with Jere and Elaine. But when I think of Jere, it will always be the memory of his loving smile and warm laugh that will brighten my day, and make it feel as though he is very nearby. Elaine: I hope you find peace and comfort in those glorious memories as well. Shelley, Lauren, Rebecca and I love you so dearly; just as we loved Jere. Peace and love to all of your family as you celebrate Jere’s beautiful life. God bless you all.
Mark Lee
