Henry Jackson

Henry Leon ''Jack'' Jackson, a resident of Kerrville, passed away Monday May 16, 2016 at 75 years of age.

Born March 21, 1941, in Immokalee, Florida, Jack spent his life serving his country, company, community, and family in large and equal measures. He served his country in Vietnam as an Air Force specialist. Afterwards, he had a career with IBM as a computer technical expert, trainer, and manager, while at the same time earning bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Houston. After a full career with IBM, he retired to the Texas Hill Country and continued to share his gifts and talents as a teacher at Austin Community College and most recently at Schreiner University, again focused in computer technology. He was a life-long learner, and recently earning a master's degree in Computer Forensics from UTSA, and was working toward a PhD. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement.

Jack was famous for telling stories, and enjoyed sharing his experiences with young and old alike. He was a humble servant and was not afraid to do the right thing, stating it was never wrong to do what was right. He would always reach out to someone in need and offer his help, no matter the request; he simply did it because he would want someone to do that for a member of his family. A martial arts student from an early age, he continued to excel both in practice and teaching, ultimately earning his fifth-degree black belt. Friends and family would often find him spending his free time learning about the newest electronic gadgets, including computer software and hardware. His gift of teaching combined with his enthusiasm for learning allowed others the opportunity to gain from his knowledge. He enjoyed flying and being around planes as much as possible. His strong sense of duty led to his active involvement in the Civil Air Patrol, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Vice Wing Commander in Texas. He and his wife Gwynn actively participated in their squadron in numerous capacities for over two decades.

He is preceded in death by his father, S.K. Jackson and his mother. He is survived by his children, Michael Menand of Atlanta, Michelle and son-in-law Scott Prengle of Dallas, and Scott Free of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Bobby Prengle of Dallas, and Niles and Lila Free of Albuquerque; his brother and wife in Florida, his sister Kathy and husband Jay Hoyle, and sister Anita and husband Greg Cater all of Houston; nephew, Heath Jenkins and wife Farrah of Pensacola; niece, Sarah and husband Kason Kerr of Houston, and nephew Ryan Hoyle and wife Kelsi of San Antonio.

A memorial service for Jack will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 2:00pm at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kerrville. A reception celebrating the lives of Jack Jackson and Gwynn Groggel and their 29 years of marriage will take place at Rails Event Hall, Kerrville at 3:30pm. All friends are invited to come and share in remembering the loving father, wonderful friend, and caring person that was Jack Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making donations to Schreiner University's Jack Jackson IT Scholarship Fund.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com by selecting Obituaries. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111

---