LTC Ernest (Ernie) R. Jackson, III, USA, Ret. passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, February 26, 2021 in Haymarket, VA. He died as a result of Parkinson’s Disease which he contracted from exposure to Agent Orange during his two tours in the Vietnam War. He fought a courageous battle for 15+ years and was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

Ernie was born on October 28, 1941 in Waterville, NY. After his father passed away when he was 14, his mother later remarried and they moved to Round Lake, NY. He attended Shenendehowa Central School where he met his wife, Martje (Mar). They graduated with the class of 1959 and went on to college. Ernie attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA. After graduation in 1963, they married and began their life in the Army. Their honeymoon was driving to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX and soon they were off to Hanau, Germany. In 1966, he left for his first tour in Vietnam. He returned in 1967 to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL where his children were born. While there, he served his second tour in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He earned his master’s degree between his Vietnam tours. 1977 took the family overseas to Mons, Belgium for an assignment at SHAPE, the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), where he served under General Alexander Haig. In 1980, they settled in Virginia where he finished out his Army career at the Pentagon. He retired from the Army in 1984 and began his career at the Raytheon Company in Arlington, VA. He retired in 2009 after 23+ years.

Much of his career was focused on the Hawk and Patriot missile systems while in the Army and at Raytheon. He continued his career in international affairs and thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Farnborough International Airshow (in England) and the International Paris Air Show.

Ernie never met a stranger as he saw everyone as a friend he had not met. He was a kind, caring, and gentle soul with an amazing personality who loved unconditionally and cared deeply and passionately for his family and friends. We will remember him most for his selflessness and infectiously friendly personality, his unbelievable wealth of knowledge, his award winning stories, and his amazing Rand McNally map skills!

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of more than 57 years, Mar Jackson, children Tish Frey (Dave) and EJ Jackson (Katey), grandchildren Courtney, Carlie, Evan & Nathan, sister Georgann Kalat, sister-in-law Betty Hawkes, and nieces and nephews: Debbie Steinbach, Linda Stopen, Brent Taylor, Cyndy Taylor, Jake Waddy, Ben Taylor, and Maria Waddy.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Ernest R. Jackson, Jr., Elizabeth (Betty) Hawkes and Ellis Hawkes, brother Robert (Bob) Hawkes and nephew Steven (Andy) Taylor.

We would like to thank all of the healthcare providers who have been a large part of our lives for the last few years and during his last few hours. They are a special group of people who are compassionate and caring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
● The Kate Amato Foundation - https://kateamatofoundation.org/ - this foundation was formed in memory of a grandchild of lifelong family friends
● The Vietnam Memorial Fund - https://www.vvmf.org/In-Memory-Program/

The family plans to submit an application for the In Memory Honor Roll for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 25th at 11am (to include military funeral honors). Guests should arrive 45-30 minutes prior via Memorial Avenue. Gate guards will direct you to park in queuing lanes. Signs will let you know which lane is dedicated for this service.
Entrance requirements can be found here: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral.
Order of events can be found here: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral/Order-of-Events.

Reception to follow.

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