Mr. Chris Jackson's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of beloved Father, Grandfather and friend Chris Jackson.
Chris, of Gun Barrel City Texas, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, surrounded by family & friends, he
was 81.
Chris was born in El Paso Texas on October 30, 1941, the first child of Margaret Viescas & George Jackson.
In 1948, the family moved to Albuquerque New Mexico, where Chris was enrolled at St. Mary’s school in
downtown Albuquerque. With an inauspicious beginning on his first two mornings, after being dropped off,
6-year-old Chris promptly walked back home, instituting a hand off, as opposed to drop off.
Chris excelled in his studies and discovered his lifelong passion for photography while working on the
yearbook staff. He would graduate high school in 1959. He would eventually take these talents to the
Albuquerque drag strip where he captured Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Car photographs for the
Albuquerque Journal.
Shortly after graduation, Chris drove the first love of his life – his 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne – to Santa
Barbara, California to study at the prestigious Brooks school of Photography. After completing his studies in
1960, he returned to Albuquerque to work with his father in the family business, Jackson Photo Engraving.
During this time, he became involved with Albuquerque Young Democrats, eventually serving a term as
president.
In 1961, Chris married the true love of his life, Joevelyn Landry. And in 1970, Chris, Jo and their young
family moved to Dallas Texas to join Harper House Inc., a graphics art company. During his time at Harper
House, he would become widely revered as one of the foremost experts in the industry.
Even with his hectic schedule, Chris always found time to attend school events, dance recitals, gymnastic
competitions, little league baseball games, pee wee football games, even volunteering his time to coach
these teams.
Outside of work, Chris loved to travel, could talk for hours about Formula One or Indy Car racing, was
always up for a game of skins or lone wolf on the golf course, enjoyed getting his boat on the lake, enjoyed
watching, as well as playing baseball, even played 3rd base in a softball beer league at the age of 52, with a
bunch of 30-year-olds. Made room for Notre Dame football, and under no circumstance, was he to be
bothered while the Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers were playing.
Chris is survived by the love of his life of 61 years, Jo Jackson, son Mark Jackson (wife Stacy), daughters
Shelly Jackson and Dana Payton (husband Randy). 6 grandchildren; Michael Gravely, Jeremy Gravely,
Sawyer Jackson, Wesley Flaharty, Bailey Payton and Jared Payton. 5 great grandchildren; Cooper Sadler,
Kenna Gravely, Oliver Gravely, Warren Gravely and Parker Gravely. His brother Phillip Jackson (wife Kathy)
and sisters Carola Harper (husband Jack) and Jane Tabor (husband Frank)
Chris was loved by his family and friends and was known for his gentle humor, profound kindness, and
congenial nature…. He will be missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Chris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chris?
Share a story where Chris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chris you’ll never forget.
How did Chris make you smile?