General Garfield Jackson

Celebrating the Life of General Garfield "Jack" Jackson

August 24, 1940 – June 13, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of General Garfield "Jack" Jackson, who left us peacefully on June 13, 2026, at the age of 85. Known to everyone simply as “Jack”, he was a man of great character, warmth, and he had an enduring love for the water. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to his family, his profession, and a life beautifully lived.

A Career of Care and a Life on the Water

Born on August 24, 1940, Jack dedicated his professional life to helping others, working for many years as a skilled Medical Technologist. His precision, work ethic, and quiet dedication behind the scenes were vital to the healthcare communities he served, earning him the deep respect of his colleagues.

While Jack was committed to his work, his true passion was found where the land met the water. For many decades, summers were anchored by family traditions at Lake Cumberland and various other beautiful lakes throughout Kentucky. A passionate boater, Jack was happiest at the helm, charting familiar waters, driving the boat as loved ones skied & tubed, and enjoying peaceful sunsets from the deck. His love for the coastal lifestyle eventually drew him southward, where he retired to Panama City Beach to spend his golden years living on the beach, listening to the waves and enjoying spectacular sunsets from their balcony.

A Devoted Family Man

Of all his adventures, Jack’s greatest joy was his family. He shared 26 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sue Jackson, building a wonderful chapter of life filled with love and companionship. Jack was a steadfast partner and a proud patriarch; in addition to his daughters, he held a special, lifelong bond with his stepdaughters from a previous marriage, Patti and Jenn, whom he proudly raised and loved as his own daughters for over forty years. When he married Sue, her children and grandchildren also joined his life, expanding his family circle with more love and shared memories. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his entire family deeply.

His easygoing nature and the steady, calming presence he brought to every room will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Surviving Family

Jack’s legacy of love, integrity, and his quiet affinity for the water lives on through his family. He is survived by:

• His devoted wife, Sue Jackson

• His daughters, Pam Floyd and Bobbi Jo Jackson

• His stepdaughters from a previous marriage, Patricia Ryan and Jennifer Jackson

• His stepdaughters, Lisa Smith, Lori Erhler, and Bethany Wilson

• His grandchildren, Bo Floyd, Kade Bear MacQueston, Evan Ryan, Parker Ryan, Elizabeth Ryan, Lauren Free, Danielle Toadvine, Kaleigh Tinsley, and Jackson Tinsley

• His 10 great-grandchildren

• A host of extended family, neighbors, and lifelong friends from Kentucky to the Florida coast.

He was preceded in death by his parents, General Garfield Jackson and Ethel Louise Owens Jackson, and his grandmother who raised him, Jane Owens.

Service Arrangements

In accordance with Jack's wishes, a private service for the family will be held at a later date to celebrate his life and legacy.

In honor of Jack’s lifelong love for the water and his wonderful years spent in Panama City Beach, the family suggests contributions be made in his name to Saint Andrews State Park to help preserve the beautiful coastal environment he loved so dearly, or to People's Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care.