Gary Michael Jackson, 60, of Clermont, Florida, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, November 24, 2014 at South Lake Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Mike was born on November 11, 1954 in Litchfield, Illinois. He attended the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, Alabama. He continued his education at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelors degree in Physical Education in 1980. He earned a Masters degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland in 1994. He relocated to Indianapolis with his family where he taught and coached football at the Indiana School for the Deaf. He later moved to southern Indiana and became a professor at Indiana University, teaching American Sign Language. He was ordained in January 2005, earning the title Reverend Gary Michael Jackson. He retired to Florida in 2014 where he pursued his many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and cooking. He is a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. He recently competed in several triathlons and traveled the globe. Mike was beloved by all. He is preceded in death by his father, Norman Jackson and sister, Faye Jackson (husband Jack). He is survived by his mother, Geraldine (Blankenship) Jackson, sisters Lisa (husband Darren) and Crystal (husband Tim), brother Don (wife Geri), soulmate Rosie, sons David (wife Kathy) and Gabriel (fiance Ginny), daughter Ashley (husband Stephen), grandson Zephyr and many cousins, nieces and nephews.



Please join us for a celebration of Mike's life.



A memorial service will be held at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont, Florida on Sunday, November 30, 2014. Visitation is from 11:00-1:00 with service following at 1:00. We invite everyone to share memories and favorite stories of Mike's life.