Raymond E. Jackson

Raymond E. Jackson January 6, 1938 - May 28, 2017 Raymond E. Jackson, 79, St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2017 at the Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Walter and Dorothy Jackson, and had resided in St. Augustine for the last 20 years, moving here from Bridgewater, NJ. Ray worked as a marketing manager for AT&T, retiring after 30 years of service. After retiring from AT&T he embarked on a second and rewarding career as a substance abuse counselor, which he enjoyed for 10 years until his retirement. He was an avid reader, lover of jazz and blues, and loved traveling throughout the world including Europe, South America, and all across the beautiful United States. Ray loved all sports, but especially enjoyed playing and watching tennis and golf. He was a friend of Bill W. and a compassionate listener to many. He was a generous and kind man, who easily made people smile and laugh with his quick wit and loving nature. He was the kind of man who spoke with integrity, was quick to offer his help to those in need, and was a wise and compassionate teacher and friend. It was no surprise that Ray faced this last stage of his life the same way he led his life - with courage, honesty, and humor. He was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ann E. McGuire, St. Augustine; children, Joyce Mellody, Rhode Island, Raymond Jackson (Deb), Delaware; step-children, James McGuire, Pennsylvania, Collette McGuire, New York City; brother, Tom Jackson (Bonnie), Lake Ariel, PA; sisters, Dorothy Avram, Cape Coral, FL, Helen Rose (Bud), Cape May, NJ, Linda Finlan (William), Ft. Myers, Sister-in-law, Ginny Jackson; grandchildren, Sarah, Katie, Michelle, Eric, Erin, Hannah, and Haydn. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Jackson and brother-in-law Ben Avram. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday June 2, 2017 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. Thursday June 1, 2017 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing may make a contribution in his memory to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.