Gary W. Jackson

Gary Walton Jackson, 92, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on July 18, 2026 at Victory Ridge Hospice Unit at The Dayton VA Medical Center.

Born on June 28, 1934, in his grandmother’s house, in Christianburg, Ohio to Norma Jean Bunker-Jackson and Frank Jackson.

Gary graduated from Fairview High School in 1953, where he played football and was named to The Dayton All-Star Team. He was coached by Fuzzy Faust and scored the only touchdown for their team. He was also a member of the boxing team.

After graduation, Gary moved to California for school, but shortly after, he decided to move back to Ohio to join The Army with his best friend, Keith Tyler.

In The Army, he specialized in communications as a Radio Operator, and played for the US Army Ice Hockey Team in Colorado Springs. He was honorably discharged in 1956, and moved back to Ohio to marry his beautiful fiancee, Mary Ann Theiss, on Dec. 22, 1956.

Gary and Mary Ann started their family with the births of their children Gregory, Russell, and Amy. He had a multifaceted career, specializing mostly in sales.

Gary had the patience to be a furniture maker and woodworker, known especially for his wooden ducks, which he gave away prolifically. He was always a natural athlete, and as he aged, he continued to pursue handball, racquetball, tennis and golf. Gary was also very active in the church–he served as President of Epiphany Lutheran Church two times, and was a pivotal member of Living Water Lutheran Church.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, Gregory (Kris) Jackson, Amy Stallard; his grandchildren, Alexandra (Chris) Jackson-Cook, Leslie (Michael) Lettmann-Schroeder, Jackson Messer, Benjamin Stallard, Bryce Stallard; his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Schroeder, Warren Schroeder, Perry Cook; and his in-laws, Samuel (Sheila) Theiss, Claire (Donald) Theiss Hurley Sherer.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Norma Jackson, his in-laws, John and Mabel Theiss, his brother, Russell Jackson, and his son, Russell Jackson.

A Fellowship will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 PM, at Living Water Lutheran Church, located at 667 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville, Ohio 45459.

Reception with refreshments following immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fisher House Foundation.