Gary Wayne Jackson

Gary Wayne Jackson, age 83, of Rogers died Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Washington Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. He was born July 9, 1941 in Fredonia, Kansas to Chester & Elma Jackson.

Gary wore many different titles in life. Husband, Dad, Pops, and Coach are just a few. He enjoyed fishing, time with his grandchildren, golfing, and watching sports- especially the Arkansas Razorbacks, Rogers Mounties, and Heritage War Eagles.

He served in the United States Air Force for 23 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Gary was a highly decorated AC-47 Pilot from his service in Southeast Asia. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, among other decorations. After serving as an instructor pilot for 3 years, he finished his career as an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer.

Gary was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He was longtime member and leader of First Baptist Church of Rogers. He served as a Deacon for 48 years and was Chairman of the Deacons multiple times. He also served as a teacher, mentor, and was actively involved as a Youth Group leader for many years.

He was an active member of his community serving in so many capacities. He was a member and past chairman of the Rogers Planning Commission, member and past president of the Rogers Noon Rotary Club, Commissioner and Past Chairman of the Arkansas State Aeronautics Commission, and current member and past chairman of the Rogers Airport Commission.

For 10 years, Gary was the head coach of the Rogers Little League White Sox. The epic battles between his teams and the Giants and Royals were a very special time for his family.

Gary was a founding partner and served as Chief Executive Officer of Hight Jackson Associates, in Rogers for more than 35 years. Under his leadership Hight Jackson has steadily become one of the region’s leading architectural firms.

Gary was a huge supporter of Rogers Public Schools. He is a member of the Rogers Mountaineer Athletic Hall of Fame and the Rogers Public Education Foundation Wall of Distinction.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary is survived by: his wife; Clare, whom he married June 5, 1965, three sons; Greg Jackson and his wife Laurel, of Rogers, Brian Jackson and his wife Ruby, of Rogers, Aaron Jackson and his wife Marnie, of Rogers, one sister; Deanna Kohlbrecher, of Kansas City, Missouri, and five grandchildren; Garrett Jackson, Wesley Jackson, Carson Jackson, Luke Jackson, and Cate Jackson, all five of Rogers.

Visitation will be Monday from 10-11am at First Baptist Rogers located at the Pleasant Grove Campus. A celebration of Gary’s life will begin at 11am with Pastor Wes George officiating.

Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Rogers, to the “Building Fund.”