After graduating from high school in May 1964, John went to live with his uncle in Brooklyn, New York. John says one of the best pieces of advice his uncle gave him was “for me to go to college or go into the military”. John decided since he did not have the financial resources for college, he would volunteer for the Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey. John became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. John served with the 101st in Vietnam from April 1967 until May of 1968.

John served with the Army, 101st Airborne Div. 1st BN 327th Infantry for a total of 3 years. John says, “For the freedom I enjoy in America, I would rather fight for it on foreign soil. Because of God’s Grace I’m the most blessed soldier alive today”.

John resides in Knoxville with his wife, Elizabeth. They have one son, Jerry L. Jackson. For relaxation John enjoys his two hobbies, woodworking and traveling.