Greg Jackson

Greg Jackson of Marshall, IL, passed away on September 3, 2023, at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, IN, following a brief but bravely fought battle with cancer. Born July 2, 1960, in his family's home in Martinsville, IL, Greg's 63 years with us was filled to the brim with wit, intelligence, and generosity.

Full of scholastic promise, Greg graduated near the top of his class at Hutsonville High School in 1978. His hard work earned him a multitude of academic awards and scholarships, leaving an indelible mark in the Book of Who's Who in 1978. His intellect and resilience saw him through to Illinois Wesleyan University, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Communications. Though he aspired to become a lawyer, he was robbed not once but twice and forced to move back home. Here, he crafted a career journey that was as eclectic as he was. After working his way up to the role of manager at the Robinson Pizza Hut, he was soon recruited to wait tables and manage the bar at the Elks Lodge in town. It was at this period of time that Greg put his charismatic voice to good use as the news director at the WTAY radio station.

Before long, he was drawn back to the Elks, this time in Terre Haute, IN, where he worked his way up to becoming their bar manager before they closed their doors. A brief period of unemployment did not dishearten him, as he soon was asked to serve as a caregiver for a wealthy but ailing acquaintance in Avon, IN. He ended his career back home at the Marshall Casey's and Arby's stores before he was compelled to retire due to a stroke in 2019.

Despite the challenges life threw at him, Greg brought joy to every job he undertook. His knack for remembering customers by their names and exact orders at Arby's remarkably shot the store's sales through the roof, showcasing Greg's mastery of customer service. However, his dedication to the people he worked with sometimes meant that he neglected his personal growth and advancements, always putting others before himself.

Off-work, Greg had a delightful zest for life. He spent his spare time exuding his love for music and was particularly fond of singing classics like Meatloaf's "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" during karaoke nights. True to his curious and intelligent nature, he was a man of knowledge, always seeking answers while absorbing practical and "useless" facts like a sponge. Greg's undying love for the color purple, passion for tie-dye, unadulterated enthusiasm for board games, and his deep, unaffiliated Christian faith showcased his wide-ranging and complex character. But more than anything, he will be remembered for his unwavering inclination to assist others. Greg had a special spot in his heart for the less fortunate and would go to great lengths to ease their burdens, even at the cost of his own comfort. So, while it is true that he enjoyed being the center of attention, he was, at the core of his being, a selfless man.

His life holds testimony to the fact that, while he could have been anything he wanted, he chose to be a cherished brother, a beloved uncle, an earnest friend, and a humble servant to his customers and community. So, thank God for Greg Jackson. Though his loss will create a void, his spirit will never cease to inspire those fortunate to have known him. His life was a living example of his favorite color: vibrant, deep, and truly unforgettable.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Alice Parks (Marshall, IL); his brothers, Wade Jackson (Marshall, IL) and Howard Jackson (West Union, IL); and by his cherished nieces and nephews, Tyler Max Halterman, Dalton Parks, Caleb Parks, Halle Jackson, Donna Jo Brown, and Waylon Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Allen Jackson & Mary Belle (Goble) Jackson, and by his grandparents, Harold & Ada Goble and Elijah "Coonie" & Doris Jackson.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Services will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Art Orndorff officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will eventually be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the York Cemetery. In honor of the wonderful care they gave Greg in his final days, memorial contributions may be made to "The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care", with envelopes available at the funeral home.