Date of Service:
June 21, 2025
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Joseph Gerard Jackson, 67, lost his fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on June 6, 2025.
Joseph served in the United States Army and reached the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1982. Born in Charlotte, NC, Joseph moved to Vero Beach, FL, and made his residence there since 1992. A self-employed painter, Joseph has painted the inside and outside of over 1,000 homes and businesses during his career.
Joseph has been part of the Indian River County recovery community for over 30 years. He has selflessly helped hundreds of local men and women deal with their alcoholism and other addictions. A strong believer in the Higher Power, Joseph’s life depicted his desire to turn his will and life over to the care of his God on a daily basis and to help others become happily and usefully whole. He was a facilitator of the intensive step study groups called AAWOL, and also brought recovery meetings to the local jail in hopes of helping others find a new way of living. His legacy of service will continue through the hands of those he helped.
In 2023, Joseph got a second chance at love when he married Debra Kaye Leach. Their new life together was one of purpose and service, and Debra was instrumental in seeing him through this aggressive bout with cancer. Joseph believed that this “later-in-life” love story was a gift from God.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Mark Harold Jackson Sr. and Clara Bryant Jackson, his niece April Wolfe, and his first wife Virginia (Ginny) Jackson. He is survived by his loving wife Debra Kaye Jackson, his four siblings Richard Roderick Jackson (Elaine), Mark Harold Jackson Jr. (Robin), James Edward Jackson (Barb), Clara Anne Jackson Curry (William), his seven nieces and nephews, and eleven grandnieces and grandnephews.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, June 21st between 2:00 and 4:00, with a spiritual service beginning at 2:30 p.m., at the Newport Club, 2536 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960
In lieu of flowers, donation are encouraged in Joseph’s name to the Newport Club, 2536 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Sandra Higgins - Friend
June 9, 2025, 7:46 pm
My condolences Debra. I’m so glad I got the pleasure to meet Joseph and see the love you two had for each other. My arms are always around you for strength and comfort. I love you
Bobby Z - Friend
June 9, 2025, 7:57 pm
I am going to miss you Joe thanks for your knowledge in recovery which enabled me to continue my sobriety. Thanks for always helping me with handy dandy chores ! You will surely be missed but never forgotten oxxoxxo. Love always Bobby Z & Laura
Sharon Goldin - Co worker/friend
June 9, 2025, 11:38 pm
Dearest Debra May you find peace and joy in your memories and knowing that Joe is at peace with his maker. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all along ❤️ Sharon