Larry Gene "JJ" Jackson, Sr., 66 of Lompoc, passed away Sunday, October 7, 2012, at Lompoc Valley Medical Center

Larry was born January 20, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri to Aldean Maybelle Massey and James Carl Jackson. He was raised by stepfather Virgil Ray Wilks. His siblings are James Dale Jackson (deceased) and Brenda Sue (David) Wilder of Pekin, Illinois.

Larry was a friend to all and a childhood marble champion. He was married August 2, 1969 to Karen Diane Watson.

He attended school at the Cahokia Elementary School in, Cahokia, Illinois. In 1976 he graduated from Champagne Police Academy, Champagne, Illinois. He was employed as a patrolman for Galispe Police Department and as a deputy sheriff at Galispe Sherriff Department in Galispe, Illinois from 1976 to 1985. He was a Small engine repair instructor in Guadalupe, California from 1987 to 1989.

Larry was a CB radio enthusiast who took great pride in spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was said to have never known a stranger. He also enjoyed playing solitaire and "granny giddywig" puzzles on his personal computer. He loved to tinker with small and auto engines. He was a tool and "part" collector and an avid storyteller. An outdoorsman at heart he loved fishing and camping best. Larry was a Pentecostal believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and holder of Southern values. He was a member and supporter of the NRA and the Republican Party. He loved bologna sandwiches, salted everything he ate and was never without a Dr. Pepper, especially when telling his stories.

He is survived by his spouse Karen Diane Jackson of Lompoc, JJ's natural and adopted children, Sherry Lynn (Roger) Fergusen of Reynolds, Missouri, Larry Gene (Virgiia Kissee) Jackson, Jr. of Rolla, Missouri, Jamie Marie Jackson of Lompoc, Rachel Helena Huckaby (Tim Lawson) of Bakersfield, California, Jenny Lee (Adam James) Misner of Lompoc, Mark Christopher (Mylisa Rene) Jackson) of Lompoc and Anne Marie (Michael George) Bourgeois of Lompoc. JJ is also survived by his grandchildren Sheila May Blackstone, Andrew Thomas Jackson, Tyler Bedwell, Ashley Danielle Jackson, Felicia Marie Jackson, Christopher Bedwell, Julia Rosemary Huckaby, LaDonna Ray Huckaby, Jason William Jackson, Deanna Lee Bourgeois, Abel Ortega Campos, Antonio Jose Campos, Kiana Fransisca Campos, Ezekiel James Misner, Boe Little Lawson, Aaron Mathew Jackson and Milo Ray Misner. Larry was blessed with seven great grandchildren and his sister Brenda Sue Wilder. JJ has a vast extended family spanning California, Illinois, Missouri and Texas. He also has hundreds of friends and acquaintances. He was the first and last to speak at any family or other gathering and always left with more friends than when he came.

Larry is also survived by his nine year old Chihuahua Jackie. He was predeceased by James Carl Jackson (Feb. 1990), Adlean Maybelle Wilks (April 1990), Virgil Ray Wilks (January 21, 1997), his son-in-Law Aaron David Huckaby (Dec. 15, 2000), Aaron Bedwell (April 1991), Coby T. Lawson (June 23, 2004), James Dale Jackson (1987) and several extended relatives left to be with the Lord before Larry.

The Celebration Of Life will be Thursday October 11, 2012 at North Avenue Baptist Church in Lompoc. It will be officiated by Pastor Earl Stinson. The reception will follow at the church.

The services are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.

More information can be acquired by calling Larry Jackson Jr. (805) 735-1036 or Jenny Misner (805) 735-8944 or (805)757-1659

Thank you to all the critical care nurses and staff at Lompoc Healthcare District for making Dad comfortable during his last days and sharing compassion with his family in and out of scheduled visiting hours. Mrs. Jackson and her family would also like to thank North Avenue Baptist Church, the CCC staff and Gospel Lighthouse congregants for their ongoing support and donations.

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16