Mr. Eugene Jackson

Eugene Jackson Sr., affectionately known to family and friends as "Newt, Nuke, Nute, or / Noop" (depending on the family member) was born on March 16, 1951, in Marianna, Arkansas. to Winnie and Carey Jackson. He was the sixth of ten children and was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Carey, Margie, Odic, Jodie, and Lois . At an carly age, Eugene left Marianna to begin building a life of his own. His journey first took him to Boston, then New York, before eventually settling in Chicago. In 1974, he entered into a union with Catherine Jackson. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Eugene Sumaj Jackson and Cameron Lewis Jackson. Throughout his life Eugene demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing for his family and worked a variety of jobs before finally retiring in 2014 as a line mechanic at MeadWestvaco. In 2017, he returned to Marianna, Arkansas, where he enjoyed spending his retirement years surrounded by family, friends, and the simple pleasures he loved most. An avid fisherman, Eugene could often be found casting a line alongside his fishing buddies, Phillip Davis and Jessie Buchanan. When he wasn't fishing, he proudly upheld his reputation as the family's BBQ Pit Master, preparing meals that brought loved ones together. He enjoyed listening to music, especially the sounds of Bobby Womack, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and other blues legends. Eugene also had a passion for fast cars and loved anything with speed. One of his favorites being a 2010 Dodge Challenger RT in furious fuchsia (pink) for which he was sometimes teased. Eugene had a fascination with modern gadgets, many of which filled his home. He enjoyed explaining how cach one worked-often in his own unique way. On a typical day, if he wasn't out fishing, you could find him relaxing in his favorite chair, watching old westerns while enjoying his favorite beverage and cigarette. His voice was unmistakable. While not everyone understood every word he spoke, those who knew and loved him always understood exactly what he meant. Eugene never shied away from a conversation and was never short on advice. He expressed himself creatively, spoke his mind freely, and possessed a sense of humor that many came to cherish. He took pride in the things he cared about. He liked to look sharp, kept his cars spotless, and believed that anything worth having was worth taking care of. Eugene leaves to cherish his memory his two sons, Eugene Sumaj Jackson, Cameron Jackson (Angelica): three grandsons, Cameron Jackson Jr., Jamir Jackson, and Jordan Jackson; and one great-granddaughter, Cyli Jackson. He is also survived by three sisters: Essie Hughes (Oscar - deceased) of Chicago, Illinois; Helen Vanpelt (Edward - deceased) of Marianna. Arkansas: and Winnie Duhart (Eddie - deceased) of Little Rock, Arkansas. He also leaves behind a host of in-laws, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, and friends—too numerous to name individually, yet all deeply cherished. Although Eugene's chair now sits empty, the memories, laughter, stories, cookouts, fishing trips, and conversations he shared will remain in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Mr. Eugene Jackson

March 16, 1951 - May 28, 2025