Johnny was born on September 8, 1939, in Hunt County, Texas, to Charlie and Dona Lee Daughtry Jackson. He married Naomi Sockwell on September 15, 1961, in Greenville, Texas.
Johnny was a long-time member of Central Christian Church where he served as a deacon and a member of the board of trustees.
Johnny was also a member of Fred Ende IOOF Lodge #87 in Greenville, Texas.
Johnny took great pride in being a Cattleman and owner of Johnny Jackson Properties. He also spent thirty-seven years working at Raytheon/E-System in illustrations.
Johnny is survived by his son and daughter: Johnny Jackson Jr. and wife Teresa and Jennifer Bobst and husband Dan. Johnny was extremely proud of his grandchildren: Alexis, Brody and Brianna Bobst and Ruby Jackson.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Naomi, his parents; sisters, Mildred Jackson, Mary Lou Jackson and Martha Newland, brothers ''Hoss'' Jack Hilton, Billy Joe and Bobby Glen Jackson.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to everyone at Colonial Lodge Assisted Living & Memory Care for all the love and care they have provided.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Hunt County Shared Ministries (FISH) 2805 King Street, Greenville, TX 75401.
Pallbearers: Elias Espinoza, Stenson Sanders, Stan Green, Tim Brogan, Doug Jackson and Lynn Jackson
Honorary Pallbearers: Newman Peters, Kenneth Peters, Jesse Johnson and Nati Lopez.
Condolences(8)
JAMIE HARRIS
Greenville, TX Tuesday, January 20, 2026 There are no words to describe the sadness upon hearing of the loss of "Big" Johnny. Over the years he became a valuable part of our family and was an amazing friend to Our Dad. Our lives were so much better with having Johnny as part of it .. Much love to Lil Johnny and Jennifer. Your Dad will forever hold a special place in our hearts. "The Harris Family" Jamie Jaeson and TirzahTraci shropshire brown
Greenville, TX Monday, January 19, 2026 My deepest condolences to his family! Truly johnny will be missed by all who knew him! A true man of god who was an example to many at how its done! Generously made sure if there was a need within ccc it was met and if the church didnt he did! I know i went to every summer camp and ski trip the youth went on because of him! Truly he was a great man and keaves behind a legacy !! ❤️Ralph Hawkins
Greenville, TX Sunday, January 18, 2026 Our condolences to the Jackson family. He was a good man and we enjoyed the time he an Naomi were our neighbors.Amy and Ralph Hawkins
Allen Howard
Quinlan, TX Sunday, January 18, 2026 My deepest condolences to the Jackson family. Johnny was loved by everyone who met him. When I think of Johnny Jackson, Sr., here are some words that come to mind: compassionate, loving, humble, helpful, generous, family man, great father, loving husband, encouraging, slow to anger, humorous, sharp as a tack, caring, approachable, friendly, and always smiling. When I think of Johnny's first day in heaven, I am in awe of what it must be like. First and foremost, seeing the living Jesus, nail prints in his hands, face to face. I'm sure he bowed his needs and cried "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. The great, I AM! Next, the reunion with all the saints and angels who are already there, his family, my family, his church family, everyone who has repented and placed their faith in trust in God's gracious gift of salvation. Then, the magnificent home He has prepared for him. Finally, there's the music, the praise, the worship! I can only imagine. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. May the peace that passes all understanding overwhelm those of us who are experiencing such a tremendous loss. Johnny, I will see you soon! I can't wait for you to show me around heaven! God's richest blessing upon the Jackson family. AmenClint Boldt
WInter Garden, FL Sunday, January 18, 2026 Remembering Johnny JacksonMy first introduction to Johnny was at our church, Central Christian. Even at a young age, I vividly remember his warm smile, his calm and friendly voice greeting me with a simple, “Hey Clint,” and the sound of his laughter echoing through the fellowship hall. I can still see him watching his daughter, Jennifer, and my brother Dave as they exchanged kid jokes and playful, innocent banter at the piano. In that moment—and so many others—Johnny radiated a light‑hearted sense of humor that seemed woven naturally into every interaction of his life.
Johnny’s smile, his laughter, and the joyful spirit he consistently brought into the world are qualities I will always remember, admire, and strive to live by.
At that time in my life, I was a pre‑teen—quiet, shy, and deeply introverted. I held tightly to a small circle of people I trusted: my Nanny, my parents, my brother, and just a few close friends. Watching the beauty of life unfold around me, I was content, yet cautious, tucked safely inside my comfort zone. As life naturally does, those innocent days of youth soon evolved.
Johnny became one of the mentors in my life who gently illuminated the magic that exists outside of that circle of comfort and trust. As Dan Bobst so humbly noted, Johnny was “self‑made” and committed to learning each day of his life. And we all know that true learning often happens when we step beyond what feels familiar. Johnny’s love for all people—and his simple, genuine approach to life through kindness, smiling, and choosing happiness—remains an example I try to follow every day.
During those early years, Johnny and Naomi quietly became friends and champions of our youth group at church. Without recognition, they discreetly sponsored countless adventures, anonymously funding opportunities that expanded our small‑town world. These new frontiers led us well beyond our comfort zones: weekend trips to the Holidome in Texarkana, fully paid enrollments and new sleeping bags for Chi Rho Camp in Athens, Texas, snow skiing in Breckenridge, motor‑coach trips during Christmas to see the Singing Christmas Trees in Dallas, and other community performing arts events where we lived and played. And there, time and again, were Johnny and Naomi—present from the very beginning of my earliest adventures.
It wasn’t until years later that Mom and Gerald shared the truth: Johnny and Naomi had been the generous philanthropists behind those experiences. Their quiet contributions helped shape not only my life, but the lives of so many young people from that church into who we are today.
The adventures continued. Every spring, Mom and Gerald would head out on road trips with Johnny and Naomi, driving through blooming dogwood trees and visiting favorite places together as the best of friends. I am certain those journeys have now beautifully intertwined once again, as they are reunited.
Love,
CB
Jason Holder
Sachse, TX Friday, January 16, 2026 I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Johnny Jackson. He was truly one of the friendliest and most inspirational people I had the privilege of knowing. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time.Marilyn Nance
Maxwell, NE Friday, January 16, 2026 So sorry to read about Mr Jackson's passing. He was a very kind man.Sarah and Ronn Yonamine
Dallas/Fort Wor, TX Friday, January 16, 2026 Sending our deepest heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Father. We know he was truly loved and cared about by you and your family. Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time.