Irving Gene Jackson

Graveside Services for Irving Jackson, 71, of Moscow will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Lily Island Cemetery in Camden with Rev. Albert Wyatt officiating.

Irving Gene Jackson, the 5th of ten siblings, was born on September 2, 1949 in Camden, Texas, to the parents of Melvin and Johnett Jackson. He was educated in public schools and graduated from Chester High School (Bulldogs) on May 21, 1968. Irving was Valedictorian of his graduating class but concerned that his mother would be unable to pay for expenses not covered by his scholarship, refused the honor, and requested that his scholarship be given to another student. When his mother learned of the decision, she was not pleased and told him that it was not his worry or decision, and she was prepared to send him to college, but Irving being the strong-willed person that he was, refused to change his mind; however, after high school, he attended the Job Corps and received his certification as a mechanical engineer. Upon completion of Job Corps, he returned home and was employed by LP Natural Gas & Pipeline (currently Kinder Morgan) in Lufkin, Texas, where he worked for 35 years until he retired as a Gas Pipeline Supervisor at the young age of 55. While employed, he received numerous awards of recognition, including the Employee Safety Award for all 35 years.

Irving loved hunting and the outdoors. He was not a big fan of crowds or large groups, but when you visited him, he had a good two-hour minimal conversation for you. Irving had no children of his own, but he had his niece “Shun” whom he helped raise and spoiled as his own.  On October 25, 2003, God showed him favor and blessed him with a beautiful and devoted wife, Rita, whom he loved very much.

Irving accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Camden, Texas. He later became a member of Lily Island Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a member until his death.

Irving is preceded in death by his parents: Melvin and Johnett Jackson; 4 brothers: James, Charles, Rev John Earl Jackson, and Rev. Harvey Jackson; older sister, Hattie; and two nephews, Jermaine and Dave Jr.

Irving is survived by his loving wife, Rita Jackson of Moscow, Texas; four sisters: Mercy Jackson of Camden, Texas, Carol Jackson of Houston, Texas, Mable Jackson of Livingston, Texas, and Wilma Jackson of Berkeley, California; seven sisters-in-law: Sheila (Herbert) Jessie of Moscow, Texas, Stephanie Petties of Moscow, Texas; Connie Grant of Pearland, Texas; Toya Hill of Moscow, Texas, Mary Elizabeth Kenebrew (Robert) of Newton, Texas, Jacqueline Jackson of Houston, Texas; and Bea Jackson of El Sobrante, California; two brothers-in-law: Dave Hill Jr of Lufkin, Texas and Marc Moye (Cheryl) of Lufkin, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and one aunt. He had two life-long friends, Elijah Foreman and T.J. Davis.

Pallbearers: Christopher Wyatt, Fredrick Wyatt, Herbert Jessie, Elijah Foreman, Howard Grant, and Marc Moye.

Honorary Pallbearers: Irven Hill, Jonathan Jackson, Christopher Martin, LeQuinte Jackson, Leon McQueen, Mickey McQueen, Lync Cavanaugh, Dave Hill Jr., T.J. Davis, and Kedrick Jessie.

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