Theodore Jackson, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away December 30, 2022, from extensive heart complications.

Born on August 7, 1951, to Mary and Manuel Jackson, Ted grew up with six siblings in Jersey City, New Jersey. At the age of 21, Ted enlisted in the Air Force. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. As an Airman, he served 20 years in his primary specialty as Imagery Systems Maintenance Technician. During his enlistment, Ted earned several medals and ribbons. He also served two years in support of Operations Desert Shield/ Storm/ Calm.

Ted did tours in Dover, England, Germany, Italy. He left Europe in 1986 and was then stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California where he retired in 1993.

Ted's love for martial arts began in 1967. He was a Master black belt in Tang Soo Do and was the founder of the first Tang Soo Do School on the Central Coast which offered classes through the City of Lompoc's Parks and Recreation Department in Lompoc.

He joined the American legion in 2003 and loved giving back and serving alongside his military brothers and sisters.

Once you walked into Ted's life, you were family. He was lovingly referred to by his children and grandchildren as "Our Iron man." He was a very involved grandfather to his 12 grandchildren. His key phrase to them and other nieces and nephews was, "Come to my house, and stay forever."

His loved ones will remember him introducing a supply of ice, Icee's and pork skins, fixing and building things, fishing and crabbing, riding motorcycles, flying RC airplanes, Ultra light airplanes, his sense of humor, being a great teacher and being reliable to show up.

Ted Jackson is survived by his wife, Shelie Jackson, three daughters Tonya Edwards, Hidie Jackson and Ashunta McMillan, son Theodore Geronimo Jackson II, his former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Jackson, grandchildren Tatiana Edwards, Quintara Edwards, Rhiannon Edwards, Aylondra McCoy, Elijah Connors, Josiah Meyers, Legend Myers, Adaleyah Jackson, Korrynah Jackson, Zyann Jackson, Audrey McMillan and Jamison McMillan, His great grandchildren Grace McCoy and Morrock Conners, his brother Wade Jackson, and sisters Linda Rohan, Virgina Jackson and Carol Valdez, along with several brothers-in-law, sisters-in law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A service honoring the life of Ted Jackson will be held on January 6th. at 1pm at Calvary Baptist church in Vandenberg Village.