Coach Jim Jackson, 83, passed away on Sunday, October 18, after a short battle

with cancer and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jim was born on November 18, 1936, in Hamilton County, TX, to Hubert and

Mabel Limmer Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws

Ted & Helen McLaurin, brother-in-law David McLaurin, and brother-in-law Joe

Dalton. Jim graduated from McMurry University in Abilene in 1960 where he

played football. He enlisted in the Army and dutifully served his country in

Vietnam in the 25th Infantry. Upon returning home, he met and married Lynette

McLaurin, his wife of nearly 57 years, when he returned to McMurry for

his teaching certificate. They moved to Rotan TX in 1963 for Jim's first coaching

job and then to Lubbock, where he received a Masters in Education at Texas

Tech University while coaching at Lubbock HS. In 1969, they moved to Houston

where Jim coached at Aldine HS. They moved to Palestine in 1975 where he

coached for many years at Palestine HS and then became a junior high assistant

principal (AP) until his retirement in 1995. He also served as UIL Regional Track

and Field Marshall for nearly 30 years in both Palestine and Whitehouse. He was

a McMurry Athletics Hall of Fame inductee along with his 1959 football

teammates. He also taught courses at Trinity Valley Community College, and

briefly served as Interim AP at Pflugerville Connally HS until Lynette retired in

1999.

Jim was a family man of faith and integrity. He loved Jesus and the Bible, and

often studied Hebrew and Greek to better understand it. He was very patriotic

and loved his country deeply, never failing to thank a fellow soldier for their

service. Throughout retirement, Jim and Lynette traveled extensively in the US

and to all 5 Canadian provinces. They also traveled to Japan and regularly

visited Mexico in the 15 years they were Winter Texas residents of Trophy

Gardens, Alamo, TX. They had many adventures white water rafting, parasailing,

and hang gliding. Jim became an avid golfer in retirement and played multiple

times per week until his recent cancer diagnosis. The two also had a great time

dancing, even appearing in two episodes of CMT's Club Dance in the 1990s. He

built houses in Mexico during their time in Alamo as well as a food pantry. Along

with Lynette, he regularly served the Angel Food Ministries monthly food program

for many years in Palestine. And, they also supplied a water well in India as well

as supported other foreign mission programs.

Jim had a heart for teaching and coaching young people after his experience in

Vietnam. He often pushed students, especially athletes, to be and do better

every day. In fact, you knew he liked you if he gave you a hard time, questioned

you about what you were doing, or asked who you were 'hustling'. One of his

greatest mentors was Rotan's H. Govan who left the lasting impression on him that

advocating for racial equality was his responsibility as a coach, teacher and a

man. He cared more about a person's work ethic and character than status and

possessions.

Jim is survived by his wife Lynette; aunt, Ruth Grimm of Ft. Worth; sister, Wanda

Dalton of Hamilton; sister-in-law Kathleen McLaurin of Orlando, FL; daughter

Leanne and husband Daryl Shipper of Belton; son Troy Jackson and wife Amy of

Oklahoma City. He is survived by grandchildren, Ella Shipper of Tuscaloosa, AL;

JR Jackson, John Matthew Jackson, and Preslee Lyn Jackson of Oklahoma City. He is

also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

At his request, there is no visitation or service. You can share your condolences

with the Jackson family by email: jimjacksonfamily@gmail.com. Donations can

be made in his honor to Homes For Our Troops (https://www.hfotusa.org/).

Rest in peace, gallant soldier