Barry Nelson Jackson

Barry Nelson Jackson
September 27, 1957 – September 26, 2018


Barry was born on September 27, 1957 to William and Jean (Newton) Jackson in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 1979 and his master’s degree from the University of Mississippi in 1980.

Barry loved and followed Jesus with the utmost devotion, and went to be with Him on Wednesday, September 26th surrounded by friends. He reveled in and talked often of the huge gift of the grace of God and has now realized it in full. It was his habit to read his whole Bible yearly and through the Book of Psalms several times a year. He loved God’s Word.

He worked at Texas A&M University as a Business Administrator for his whole career. He secured the utmost respect and admiration of his peers at Texas A&M, and he was advocate for and champion of all things “Aggie.”

Not surprisingly, he also was a champion of Texas A&M athletics. His desire for Aggie success on the fields of play was rooted in his love and friendship with the athletes themselves, and he was tireless in his encouragement and support. His love for Aggie sports was only surpassed by his love for the St. Louis Cardinals, a love forged in his youth while listening late into the night to the broadcasts of Cardinal games on the transistor radio he kept in his room. Barry understood the nuances and intricacies of the baseball game and spoke reverently of the lessons to be learned on the baseball diamond. One of his year’s most anticipated events was baseball’s Opening Day which he marked by sending his friends many of his most-loved baseball quotes.

He kept ticket stubs for years accompanied by written notes about the event and the names of those with whom he attended. He collected baseball cards and autographs all of his life. His collection of both is remarkable.

He enjoyed gathering around the table with friends to share a meal and, as a matter of routine, he would say, “my treat.” He rarely forgot the special days and occasions of his friends and family and would insist on marking them with some simple celebration, a Sonic drink, a frozen yogurt, or maybe a trip to Barnes and Noble. Barry loved to just drop by for conversation.

Barry read extensively, loved to travel and to learn new things, and spent endless hours with his many “nieces and nephews” who affectionately called him “Uncle Barry.” With them, in all of their endeavors, he was congratulatory in their success, encouraging in their defeat, and unfailingly optimistic. In fact, he had a beautiful outlook on life which intertwined his conversations and beliefs. His optimism and laughter were infectious and endearing. Barry believed the best about people and could not be convinced otherwise. He was supremely generous.

These few words cannot capture his essence or convey his impact. If it is a true that we are all a part of all that we have met, then, those who knew him best, can say “let it be more so.”

Barry is preceded in death by his father, Bill Jackson.

Barry leaves behind his mother, Ms. Jean Jackson, of Austin, Texas, and his brother, Larry Jackson and wife Sharolyn Jackson of Manhattan, Kansas, and countless friends who consider him one of the family.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Rebecca’s Wish (rebeccaswish.org). This charity benefits pediatric pancreatic research. It was chosen due to his love for kids.