GREENWOOD
Phil E. Jackson, age 87, of Greenwood, went to be with our Heavenly Father surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 11, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, IN.
Phil was born in Indianapolis, IN on January 11, 1937, to the late Virgil C. Jackson and Sarah Ann (Smiley) Jackson. On October 27, 1957, he married the love of his life, Shirley Utterback Jackson, who survives. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Shirley S. Jackson; daughter, Natalie Schwarz (Erik) of Greenwood; son, Alex Jackson (Kimberly) of Indianapolis; siblings, late Cletus Jackson (Bessie), (late) Jon (Butch) Scott (Sheri), Tom L Jackson (Jan) of Indianapolis, Larry J. Jackson (Susan) of Murray, KY, Nedra Ann Warnell (late Mike) of Acton, IN, and Ted L. Jackson (Cheryl) of Paragon, IN; grandchildren, Alicia Schwarz Adelman (Brad), Perry Jackson-Burnworth and Laina Jackson-Burnworth (SPC Jordan Burton); great-grandchildren, Ethan, Ava and Nora Grace Adelman; and many nieces and nephews.
Upon graduation from Greenwood High School, he entered the US. Army and in 1958 enrolled at Indiana Central College (UINDY) to earn a degree in Business Administration. The college endeavor was interrupted when the Army recalled him to the Medical Corps in 1961. He returned to Indiana Central (UINDY) a year later and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and in Public Education majoring in Social Studies, which he received in 1966. Phil began his career in education at Franklin Community High School teaching U.S. History, Government, Economics and in coaching. In 1970 he became a Program and Fiscal Consultant for the Division of Compensatory Education for the Indiana Department of Education and later became the Director of the Division leaving in 1979. Upon the leaving the Department of Education he became a Guidance Counselor and teacher at Southport High School, where he served in several capacities including guidance counselor, teacher, stage craftsman for plays and musicals and stage director until retiring in 1996. In 2001 Greenwood Community High School called to offer a position of Auditorium Stage Director and Production Craftsman for plays and musicals, until finally retiring in 2017.
During his tenure with the State Department of Education, he earned his Master’s Degree at Indiana University and an Administrators Certification from Butler University, and returned to Indiana University to complete his EDS in School Administration.
His civic involvement includes being President of the Greenwood Jaycees and a 15-year member, Kiwanis Member and President of the Greenwood Library Board, member of the Greenwood School Board and Central Nine Career Center Board. In addition, he served two terms as President of the Greenwood Band Parents and Alumni. He has been a member of the First Baptist Church for 66 years and served a term as President of the Diaconate as well as several church committees, Sunday School teacher of youth and adults while a member.
Funeral services for Mr. Jackson will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 1:00PM at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon, August 18, from 3:00-6:00PM and again on Monday morning at 11AM until the time of service. Burial and military honors will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church and/or the Greenwood Community High School Drama Department.
You are invited to visit our website, www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, to share a memory, leave condolences or to order flowers for the family.
