Michael Duane Jackson

Michael Duane Jackson, age 79, of Ocala, FL, the Lord called him home on September 27th, 2025 in Ocala. Michael was born in Glendale, CA to Chester and Rose Jackson on June 9th, 1946. He graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1964. After High School he enlisted in the US Army in December of 1965. After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the US Army, Michael worked in numerous fields including logging, high-tech manufacturing, and ultimately spent 10 years working as an Instructional Assistant at the High School level. He was active in Summer Glen Veterans Club, the Belleview Veterans of Foreign Wars, he also rode with Old Glory Motorcycle Club supporting Veterans coming to Washington, DC on Honor Flights. He was always available to assist other Veterans in need. Michael would go out of his way to ensure that Veterans of all eras got a Welcome Home and Thanks for your Service. Michael is survived by his wife, Annette Jackson. He is also survived by his son, Adam Jackson, Stepsons Eric and David Kilduff, Grandchildren Ashley and Richard Kilduff, Nieces Teresa Myer and Heather Cecil. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patricia, and Grandchild, Antonio Kilduff. Memorial donations may be made to SummerGlen Veterans and Patriots Club at 11100 SW 983rd Court Rd, Ocala, FL 34481-5188 by check or via PayPal. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to SummerGlen Caring Neighbors, SummerGlen Veterans and Patriots Club, and Belleview VFW Honor Guard. Military Service Michael received his draft notice a little before Christmas 1965, just 2 months after he and Annette married. He decided to enlist in the US Army; he was deployed to Vietnam and assigned to the 39th Combat Engineer Battalion in Nha Trang. In January 1967, while driving three other soldiers to check out a new area, they were ambushed and came under heavy enemy fire. All four men were wounded. Mike was shot in the leg and had shrapnel wounds. He pulled his wounded crew behind the jeep for cover. A nearby US tank heard the attack and came to their rescue. He was awarded a Purple Heart. When asked where he grew up, he would often say, “In a real bad neighborhood, VIETNAM!” Michael truly believed that as a Veteran, his oath “to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic” had no expiration date.

Michael Duane Jackson

June 9, 1946 - September 27, 2025