In Memory of a life well loved

Craig James "Rickey" Jackson

November 16, 1949 – August 1, 2026

It is with grateful hearts, and profound love for a life well lived, that we celebrate the life of Craig James "Rickey" Jackson, who passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by the love of his family.

Rickey was born on November 16, 1949, in Houma, Louisiana, a place that forever remained part of who he was. Whether through his love of Cajun food, jazz, Louisiana traditions, or the stories he loved to tell, home was never just a place to him. It was something he carried with him wherever life took him.

As the youngest of eight children, Rickey was affectionately known as one of the family's "four little ones," lovingly watched over by the "four big ones." Those early family bonds remained with him throughout his life and helped shape the gentle, loyal, and kind man he became.

Rickey proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 30 years, rising from the enlisted ranks through the Mustang program to become a Limited Duty Officer before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. His military career reflected the quiet leadership, humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving others that continued to define every chapter of his life.

Rickey's greatest joy was his family. At the center of that joy was his beloved wife of 30 years, PJ. Together they built a life filled with adventure, laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion through every season life brought them.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a man with an extraordinary gift for making people feel safe. He loved music, never passed up an opportunity to make someone laugh, and treasured the simple moments spent with the people he loved most. He had a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. More than anything, Rickey will be remembered for his quiet kindness, gentle spirit, and the way he made everyone around him feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

In 2002, Rickey was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and was given just two years to live. Instead, he spent the next twenty-four years quietly defying every expectation. Through remarkable courage, groundbreaking medical treatments, and an unwavering determination to keep living, he faced one extraordinary challenge after another-not simply surviving, but continuing to love, laugh, serve, and inspire everyone around him.

Rickey believed the second half of his life was meant to serve others through medical research. Throughout his journey, he participated in groundbreaking treatments that advanced science and offered hope to future patients. His final act of generosity was donating his body to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for continued medical research. It was his hope that his lifelong medical journey would contribute to a better understanding of these diseases and improve the lives of others. Even in death, he continued serving others, leaving behind one final gift of hope.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary physicians, nurses, researchers, hospice team, family members, and friends whose compassion, expertise, and unwavering support carried them throughout Rickey's remarkable journey.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Joseph Jackson and Angele Gary Jackson; his brothers, John "Bubbie" Campbell Jackson and Carl Joseph Jackson Jr.; and his sisters, Carlene Ann Johnson and Judith Geneil Jensen.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patrice "PJ" Jackson; his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Chris; his son, Keith, and his wife, Wendy; his daughter, Elyshia "Ellie", and her husband, Justin; his grandchildren, Amanda, Emily, Eli, Lindsey, and Colin; his great-grandsons, Colby and Bodie; his brother, Jan Thomas Denys Jackson, of Houma, Louisiana; his sisters, Dana Lee Osuch and her husband Larry, of Poway, California, and Jill Angela Istre and her husband Jim, of Houma, Louisiana; along with twenty beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

A celebration of Rickey's life will be held this November. His family looks forward to gathering at his beloved home in the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate a life defined by courage, kindness, service, resilience, music, great food, and unconditional love.

Perhaps the greatest way to honor Rickey's memory is simply to spend time with the people you love. Share a meal. Tell a story. Sing a favorite song. Laugh a little louder. Hold someone a little closer. Life is precious, and Rickey would want you to cherish every moment of it.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Rickey's lifelong commitment to helping others through medical research to:

The Director National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Building 31, Room 5A48 31 Center Drive, MSC 2486 Bethesda, MD 20892

There is no greater legacy than a life lived in service to others.

Fair winds and following seas.

Your watch is over.