Gerald Maurice Jackson

Gerald Maurice Jackson was born in Forsyth, Montana to Robert and Louise Jackson on November 16, 1933. He was one of three brothers and one sister; Frank, Russell and Marge. He grew up in Wilsall, Montana where his love for the outdoors, fishing and camping was easily cultivated and became a love of his throughout his life, in his formative years. In high school, with a graduating class of six, he was

Vice President of his junior class and was involved in playing sports like basketball, baseball and football which he learned to enjoy. His motto was, “To get ahead you must have one.”

After high school he chose to serve in the United States Air Force which took him to many places outside of the country, for seven years, as an aircraft mechanic. He also worked on missiles at Hercules for an additional five years; then he continued his career working as a civilian at Hill Air Force base where he eventually retired.

His life completely changed for the better when he met and married Beverly Bailey who became the love of his life, along with her two children Gary and Galynn, which made him an instant father. They became his pride and joy. Jerry was never without Bev and Bev was never without Jerry. Just like the cat and mouse they were never without each other.

They had more than fifty years together and a love to last fifty more. They enjoyed everything together. Some of their favorite times together were taking the grandkids camping at strawberry reservoir in their fifth wheel, riding across the country on their motorcycle and later living in Yuma six months out of the year to get out of the snow.

He also loved his old-time country music which kept him toe tappin’ and box steppin’ for hours. Thank you, Johnny Cash!

The love for family and their posterity grew stronger as the years went by. They never missed a baseball game, a recital or a play and Thanksgiving and Christmas at grandma and grandpas was the highlight of every year. There was no better place we would rather be in the world than at grandma and grandpa’s house. They built their house on love and that love was there to stay. When time marched on and Bev’s life was moving on to the next; gramps found companionship and love in Dorthy Ley, who took him all over the country going to rodeos, visiting family and friends and dancing to their favorite tunes. They loved each other and became each other’s perfect dancer partner till the end.

We are eternally grateful for all the tender care and love that was demonstrated by the nurses, CNA’s and staff at the skilled nursing facility, Heritage Park. Especially Shannon with Atlas hospice, who gracefully walked us through the process. It was definitely bitter sweet.

They helped give us peace of mind that he was in good hands. We couldn’t have done this without you. Especially his family and grandkids, who never stopped visiting, to give Jerry a push in his wheel chair or go outside to visit the pigeons, who lived right outside his door.

To Galynn his daughter, who learned from her mother what it means to truly love. The love, care and sacrifice she gave is why we call mothers “blessed.” Mothers are angels in disguise. She who gave so much gave gramps the strength to let go, lift off and fly. We love and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A family’s love like ours will continue on. Even though gramps isn’t physically with us, His love and their love live on. Gramps is finally back with his sweetheart. And, all we need to know is “They are on the road again” . . . only this time together forever.

Graveside services will be held Saturday September 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Park City Cemetery, 1300 Kearns Blvd. Park City , Utah.

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