Charles Jackson

Obituary of Charles Jackson

Life Legacy Charles "Chuck" Jackson, 88, passed away on March 7, 2018 in Salinas. He was born on August 30, 1929 in Hebron, Texas. At the age of 7, his family moved to Parrish, Florida because of his father's health. At age 15, Chuck dropped out of school and after working a few months, entered the Maritime School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He graduated from Maritime School with Fireman, Oiler and Water Tender papers along with a lifeboat ticket in the Merchant Marine. Because of the 1946 Maritime strike and no job; Chuck entered the US army just two weeks after his 17th birthday. The military service was a good choice because over the years, Chuck was promoted several times until he reached the grade of Command Sergeant Major. Chuck served in several overseas commands including occupation of Japan, three tours to Korea, two tours to Vietnam and one tour to Germany. While in Germany, he met and married Lidya Klimtschuck and the two remained happily together for 42 years until Lidya died on Christmas Day, 1997. Most of his military service was the 187th Airborne Infantry and 11th Infantry Division. Among his decorations and awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V for Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Master Parachutist Badge with two bronze stars for combat jumps, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster along with other numerous medals. After retiring from the military with 28 years of service in 1974, Chuck went to work as a teller with the Fort Ord Federal Credit Union (now Central Coast Federal Credit Union). In this job, he quickly rose to become the Credit Union Vice President even though he had never formally completed high school. Chuck has worked for the credit union over 24 years. After his retirement, Chuck pursued his hobby of traveling. Some of his destinations include China and the Great Wall. Thailand, Hong Kong, Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, and Egypt where he cruised the Nile. New Zealand where he made a bungee jump off a 143 foot bridge in Queenstown, Australia including the Great Barrier Reef. Brazil, where he cruised the Amazon River and the Galapagos Islands. His last trip was to Nepal where he rode elephant into the jungle. He also toured India with a visit to the Taj Mahal. Chuck is survived by his sons. Robert of Fremont and John of Seaside along with several grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 1-9pm at the Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd Salinas, CA 93905. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, March 17, 2018 11am at the Healey Mortuary Chapel. Burial with full Military Honors will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery 850 Abbott St. Salinas, CA 93901.
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