Alvin James Jackson

Sergeant Major Alvin James Jackson, Jr., USMC (retired), 68, passed away on February 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Palm Springs, Calif. Born December 6, 1944, in Memphis, Tenn., he was the son of Lt. Col. Alvin James and Bernice (Echols) Jackson. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and retired in 1993. His service included two tours in the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Darlene Rouse on January 24, 1970 in Alexandria, Va. Al and Darlene lived in Petaluma, Calif., for 34 years, where he worked as a meeting planner for Firemen's Fund Ins. Co. In 2010, Al and Darlene moved to their retirement home in Palm Springs. He volunteered at the Palm Springs Air Museum and as a driver for Marines stationed in 29 Palms. He was an avid golfer, loved sailing, hiking and traveling. His love for life, sense of humor and intriguing stories will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Al is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Darlene Jackson; son, Shawn Jackson; daughter, Jessica (Jackson) Grooms; brother, David Jackson; sister, Lynn (Jackson) Wyan and two grandchildren; Ryan Jackson and Jackson Grooms. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 9 pm, February 15, 2013 in the Ramon Room at Forest Lawn, Cathedral City. Funeral Service will be February 17, 2103 at 1:00 pm in the Ramon Chapel at Forest Lawn, Cathedral City. Burial and interment will be February 18, 2013, 12:30 pm at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Al's name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.