Gary Lee "Pete" Jackson

Gary Lee “Pete” Jackson, age 72 of Osceola, passed away surrounded by his family after a two-year battle with cancer on Friday, January 8, 2021.  Pete was born August 28, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Jimmie Paul and Ora Othell (Donaldson) Jackson.  Pete enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 and served during the Vietnam War before his honorable discharge in 1970.  On February 5, 1982, he married Nila J. Bumpus in Niles, Michigan.

Nila survives, along with his children Dawn (fiancée Craig Shupert) Nemeth and Andrew Jackson, both of Osceola.  Surviving as well are his grandchildren Joey Nemeth and Nevaeh Nemeth and his sister-in-law, Toni Jackson of South Bend.  He is survived as well by one niece and four nephews.  Pete was preceded in death by his brothers Jimmy Gerald Jackson and Larry Ray (Nina “Charlene”) Jackson, and his two favorite dogs, Barney and Orville.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Military honors will be rendered following the service and interment will be private in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. After Pete's private interment, friends and family are encouraged to join the family at 3:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Mr. G's in Osceola for an informal celebration of Pete's life.

Pete was employed for many years at Dodge Reliant in Mishawaka and later at Robert Weed Plywood until his retirement at the age of 62.  Pete was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and in his younger years, he enjoyed camping with his family.

In his spare time, Pete enjoyed spending time socializing with his family and friends.  He was also fond of his grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them often.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice. To leave a message of condolence for the Jackson family, view Pete’s online video tribute, or light a virtual candle in his memory, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.