Sept. 2, 1933 – April 26, 2025
Sam C. Jackson, Jr, born September 2, 1933, passed away on April 26, 2025. Known affectionately in his early life as “Junior” by family, “S.C.” at school, and “Jack” by others, he was primarily known as Sam, after his father. Sam was born in the then-small town of Liberty Hill, Texas, the son of Samuel and Ora Allman Jackson, where he grew up with one brother and four sisters.
A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM with a graveside service following at Liberty Hill Cemetery.
He is survived by his son, Dennis Joe Jackson and wife, Darla, of Austin, Texas, and his son, David Brian Jackson of Galveston, Texas; Grandchildren: Daniel Jackson and Katie Jackson; Sister Edna Earle Jackson Roth; former wife Juanita Wheeler Jackson; and former partner Lou Dusek. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Janette Coone; three sisters – Gertrude Reese, Linnie Dennis, Faye Carter and brother, Odell (L.O.) Jackson.
Sam graduated from Rock House Schools in Liberty Hill at the young age of 16. He was a star athlete in baseball and basketball, co-captain and quarterback of the football team, and voted Best-All-Around Class Favorite. A quote from the school newspaper read, “In the District game with Leander, QB Jackson was injured and ruined our chances of a victory.” His sister, Edna, recalled their days of hard work picking cotton, but after milking the cows on the weekend, they made homemade ice cream in the hand-crank freezer, had corn-cob fights and caught crawfish in the creek near their home.
After leaving Liberty Hill, Sam lived in Waco with his sister, Linnie, and her husband Bill, where Sam worked for the railroad. He married Janette Coone, with whom he had his first son, Joe. He was a devoted husband and lovingly cared for Jan during her illness.
In 1966, Sam married Juanita Wheeler Jackson and had his second son, David.
An MVP of the Oak Hill community for decades—if you ever played youth baseball or football in Oak Hill in the ‘70’s and 80’s, you probably owe Sam a thank-you. Sam dedicated his life to youth activities in the Oak Hill Optimist Club where he helped organize and build the first baseball fields and coached multiple baseball, football and girls softball teams. His efforts helped lead to the creation of the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association in 1967, which today serves over 1,200 boys and girls annually with over 100 teams. As a coach and mentor, Sam didn’t just teach sports – he taught the importance of teamwork.
Sam was an active member and deacon at the First Baptist Church of Oak Hill. He taught his sons the art of hunting and fishing and the values of a life close to nature with his passion for vegetable gardening that would make the Farmer’s Almanac take notes.
Professionally, Sam had a long career in advertising at the Austin American Statesman mastering the lost art of hand-cutting the lettering for ads for the printing press. He did not use spreadsheets or emails. As a man of few words, he preferred an honest handshake.
Later in life Sam lived in McGregor, Texas, where he met his partner Lou Dusek and then lived in Holland, Texas. He continued his career in advertising at the Temple Daily Telegram and eventually retired to live the country life enjoying his gardening and hunting. Sam spent his last years in Georgetown, Texas, close to his sister and family. He continued to grow vegetables on his back porch. He had a passion every year for shelling out over 100 pounds of pecans to give to his family and friends.
His legacy lives on in his sons, grandkids, every child he coached, every plant he nurtured, and every person lucky enough to call him family, friend or coach. A life well-lived, well-coached, and well-fertilized. We love you, Dad. We love you, Sam.
In lieu of flowers, consider planting a tomato plant, support your local community garden or donate to your local youth baseball league – and maybe crack a pecan in his honor (Donations: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department).