Thomas Jefferson Jackson, Jr.

Reverend Thomas Jefferson Jackson (T.J.), age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 10th, following a brief illness.

T.J. was born in Boone, NC on July 3rd, 1934 to Thomas and Eudell Jackson

Acquiring a love of working on cars and trucks, T.J. found himself in Detroit, MI. After a short stint at Ford Motor Company, he became a mechanic for a local gas service station. He had a knack for listening to an engine, figuring out what was wrong and fixing the problem. After moving back to Boone in 1970, he owned and operated “Jackson’s Auto Repair” as well as the Union ‘76 service station, which is now home to the “Peddlin’ Pig”.

While in Michigan, he met his wife Betty, who he would remain married to for 68 years until she passed in 2023.

In 1956, T.J. became a Christian and in 1958 he found his true calling and passion as a minister. He pastored churches in Michigan, Missouri and North Carolina. He also held Sunday evening services for the inmates at the Boone Correctional facility for several years. He never tired of sharing the gospel and stayed true to his beliefs till the very end.

At age 85, he worked for the Town of Boone at their container sites where he proudly “helped old people put their trash in the dumpsters”.

T.J. was often seen wearing his “Jesus is my Boss” cap. People frequently commented on his hat which prompted numerous opportunities for him to share his faith and testimony.

Oh how he loved his family! His grandkids were his pride and joy. At any family gathering, he could be found playing/wrestling or chasing his grandchildren-never mind his age.

He had a witty sense of humor (probably the inventor of “dad jokes”) and was loved by all who met him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; grandsons-Drew Main and Cody Jackson; brothers-Lefler Jackson,Kermit Jackson, Edsel Jackson and Jesse Frank Jackson and sister, Connie Gilbert; nephew-Darrell Jackson 

He is survived by his 3 sons; Thom Jackson (Davonne), Terry Jackson (Sue), and Larry Jackson (Lynne); 2 daughters- Debbie Main (J.O.) and Sherry Hayes (Humphrey); brother-Charlie Jackson; sisters-in-law: Mozella Jackson, Joyce Jackson and Sue Cusick.

His grandchildren: Vanessa Nichols, Valerie Smith (Lantz), Garrick Jackson (Amber), Jason Jackson (Kendra), Cynthia Viola, Brian Jackson, Crystal Main (James), and Chelsea Little (Toryn); Great grandchildren: Gracie and Ellary Jackson, Charlie and Adah Jackson, Landon Main, Mia Smith, Hadlie Nichols, Keaton Nichols (Sarah), Broadus and Barron Little; Great, Great grandchildren: Brantley and Weston Nichols 

He is also survived by several beloved nieces, nephews and their children. 

The family would like to say thank you to Dr Murrey and his staff, Dr McAdams and her staff and a special thank you to Medi-Home Hospice staff and dad’s nurse, Emma. 

Services will be held at the Austin Barnes Chapel on Wednesday, January 14th. Visitation from 11-12:45; service at 1pm. Rev. John Jackson and Rev Tom Stephens officiating. 

Donations can be made to Evangelistic Outreach, 299 Ohio Ave, New Boston, OH 45662 

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Jackson family.

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