CENTRALIA — Gregory “Greg” S. Jackson, 60, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, surrounded by his family.
Greg was born January 7, 1964 in Centralia, the son of John D. Jackson and Jeanne (Bray) Jackson. He married the love of his life, Gayla Barnhart, on January 27, 1984 in Centralia, Illinois and she survives.
In addition to his father: John D. Jackson of Centralia, his wife of 40 years: Gayla Jackson, Greg is also survived by his two daughters: Callie Jackson of Urbana and Dr. Brittany Dobill and husband Dustin of Mulkeytown; three grandchildren: Cody Dobill, Carter Dobill and Sadie Dobill all of Mulkeytown; two brothers: John A. Jackson of West Sacramento, California, Steve Jackson and wife Maryann of Centralia, sister: Kathy Bradford and Jason of Mt. Vernon; mother-in-law Shirley Barnhart of Centralia; sisters-in-law: Joy Barnhart of Bradenton, Florida and : brother-in-law: Ken Barnhart of Lenexa, Kansas, Don Barnhart and wife Dawn of Indianapolis, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Jeanne Jackson, step-mother: Rose Jackson, brother-in-law: Ron Barnhart, sister-in-law: Deborah (Rogers) Barnhart, and father-in-law: Barney Barnhart.
Greg worked at EFI in Centralia as a painter for 18 plus years. Previously, he worked at Rockwell in Centralia. He was an avid Centralia Orphans fan and also loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed coaching his daughters (as well as many others) in softball. He loved the sport so much that he started umpiring softball as well. He also had a passion for cooking and baking, and made the best “Papa’s world-famous pancakes.” He would always tell everyone about how proud he was of his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was also quite the jokester and always made sure that everyone in his life had a smile on their face. Greg loved spending time with his family, friends, and pup Copper, and loved going to watch his grandkids play in sports, and many other activities that they took part in.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A Private Family Burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Everyone is encouraged to wear Centralia Orphans or St. Louis Cardinals gear to the visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to CHS Athletic Fund and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Greg’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.