Dennis Mark Jackson Sr.

Dennis Mark Jackson Sr., 65, of Indianapolis, passed away on June 20, 2016. He was a 1968 graduate of Thomas Carr High School, and he was in Fire Protection Sales for over 25years. Dennis was also a proud AA member for 27 years before a brief relapse. He and his family joyfully celebrated his4^th year of sobriety this past March.

Dennis was a man of so many admirable qualities: He enjoyed laughing, liked to be silly, refused to take life too seriously, and his willingness to help others was truly unmatched. He was also a little stubborn and hard-headed, but somehow made those qualities endearing. Everything in his life needed to be scheduled, including the births of his children and grandchildren. Beyond all of this, the most admirable thing about Dennis was that he was a friend to absolutely everyone. He loved volunteering for AA and enjoyed providing transportation to his friends whenever they called on him. He would do anything in his power to help another person, regardless of their need or place in his life.

Dennis’ children remember him as being supportive, but still directive, knowing he was molding them to be as great as he knew they could be. His support never lessened, but he also made sure to allow them to make their own decisions and mistakes, if necessary. He just simply reminded them, “WWDD” (What Would Dennis Do). One Christmas, he even made them all bracelets with those letters to remind them. Dennis’ focus was to instill in children the importance of working hard,but to have fun while doing it; if you are going to do something, then do it right; and that family is the most important thing in this world.

Dennis loved to make big events as special and as memorable as possible. During family vacations, Dennis always made sure to have comic books ready for the kids to read in the car. When one of his children celebrated a birthday, regardless of their age, he would call at 5am and sing them “Happy Birthday”, never caring that he was a horrible singer. During Christmastime, he would always say that the family was not going to do much,but would inevitably go overboard on gifts and food. When each child started their first job, he showed up with a camera to take a picture of them in action on their first day because he was so proud. Dennis wrote a special poem for Christina on her 18^th birthday, and also wrote Valentine’s Day poems every year for Kathie. Scott remembers his father as being an amazing teacher;regardless of whether he focused on sports, school work, or projects around the house, he always made sure that everything was a valuable learning experience for his kids. For Denny’s wedding rehearsal, he had the entire backyard decorated with lights in the trees, candles in the pool, beautiful banquet tables surrounded by plants, just to have it all rained on. Dennis loved giving his grandchildren cookies to hide in their pockets, knowing they weren’t supposed to have any, and he always ended every conversation, regardless of the topic, with “I love you”.

Dennis is survived by his children, Denny (Stephanie)Jackson, Christina (Billy) Curry, and Scott Jackson; his grandchildren, Eli,Sam, and Luke Jackson, and Will Curry; his girlfriend, Kathie Ferguson; his sister, Janet (Eddie) Brown; and many nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dayla; his parents, John and Helen Jackson; and his brother, Johnnie Jackson.

Services will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, June 23, 2016at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence , 5215 N. Shadeland Avenue, with visitation from 1:00pmuntil the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fairbanks in remembrance of Dennis.