Master Sergeant Ronald E. Jackson was born in Williamsburg, West Virginia, on May 16, 1958. In June 1977, he graduated from John Hay High in School in Cleveland Ohio. MSgt Jackson enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1977. After completing recruit training at Parris Island, SC, in January 1978, MSgt Jackson attended Aviation Crash Crew school (8111). Later in his career MSgt Jackson also attended Crash Fire and Rescue school and became an Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist (7051). MSgt Jackson served as a Substance Abuse Counselor (8538) and as a Recruiter (8411). During his career MSgt Jackson was stationed at the following commands: Bravo and Charlie Company, 8th Engineers Battalion; El Toro, CA; MASS 13, MAG 13; MCAS Cherry Point, NC; MABS 14, MAG 14, MCAS Cherry Point, NC; MCRC RS Cleveland, Ohio 4th Marine Corps District; H&HS, MCAS Tustin, CA; and H&HS Iwakuni, Japan.
After 21 years, 7 months and 28 days of honorable service, MSgt Jackson retired from the Marine Corps in May 1999. His personal awards and decorations include Navy Commendation Medal 2ND award, (one awarded for heroic achievement), Good Conduct Medal 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon. Meritorious Mast, (5) Certificates of Commendation, and (2) Letters of Appreciation.
Once retired, MSgt Jackson continued to affiliate himself with Veteran Organizations in the Jacksonville and Orange Park FL area. He was a lifetime member and past chapter president of the National Montford Point Marines Association, Chapter 29, Lifetime member and past post commander of the American Legion Post 197. MSgt Jackson was also a lifetime member of disabled Veterans of America, Chapter 38, Orange Park, FL. MSgt. Jackson was a steadfast pillar of the military and veteran community.
MSgt. Jackson played a pivotal role in the national campaign to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines. His advocacy and determination were instrumental in ensuring these trailblazing Marines received the long-overdue recognition they richly deserved, preserving their legacy in American history.
MSgt Jackson transitioned on May 16, 2025, after a lengthy battle with ALS disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/ Lou Gehrig’s disease). His passing is a profound loss to all who have the privilege of serving with him, learning from him, and calling him a friend.
MSgt Jackson was married to the lovely Linda Eunice Joshua Jackson. He had one son Ronald Eugene Jackson Jr, stepdaughter Lintera Robinson, and stepson Percy Harvin III.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233.
Interment with Military Honors will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 11:30 a.m., at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.