Terry Jackson

Terry Allen Jackson passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 82 in Grand Rapids, MI, following a slow decline due to Parkinson's disease. Born on July 14, 1941, in Kenesaw, NE, Terry was an intelligent and steadfast man, whose humor and gentle nature touched all who knew him. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dorothy Jackson, and his brothers, Wayne Jr. (Jack), David (Butchie), and Steve Jackson. He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom, survived by his beloved wife, Jacquelyn Jackson (Larmore), his brother, Robert Jackson (Barbara), his sister Deanna Jackson (Roger White), sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was a devoted father to Brad Jackson (Brenda Salisbury) and Jeff Jackson (Rhonda Mejeur) and a doting grandfather to Owen, Molly, and Henry Jackson, who will all miss him dearly. As a lifelong lover of animals, he also loved his dogs, Mopsy and Shadow, as well as granddogs Boomer, Gitch, Bear, Pika, Chance, Lupine, and Trixie. After completing a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska, he earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. He then served two years in the National Health Service Corps at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. He went on to achieve a PhD in Veterinary Pathology from the University of California Davis and then returned to the Rocky Mountain Laboratories to complete his postdoctoral work. During his time in Montana he discovered his lifelong love of the mountains. Terry had a long and successful career in veterinary pathology starting with the USDA in Ames, IA, then moving to Hazelton Laboratories in Madison, WI, before joining the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, MI, where he worked from 1984 until his retirement in 2008. He cultivated interests outside of work as well. For much of his life, Terry was an avid bicyclist, pedaling across the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. His devotion to gardening in later life led him to spend many hours creating and tending a peaceful backyard retreat at his home in Kalamazoo. He and Jacquie traveled extensively, for both work and pleasure, exploring new places and forming lasting friendships. Terry was analytical, loyal and funny. His ever-present sense of humor could be both dry and cerebral as well as silly. He showed faithful love and care for his family over his whole life. He was much loved and will be deeply missed. No formal services are planned. Family will be gathering in 2024 to commemorate his life. Donations can be made to ASPCA, University of Michigan Brain Bank, or Spectrum Hospice.