Johnnie Steven Jackson

Johnnie Steven Jackson passed away on December 10, 2025, in Gatesville, Texas, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, a room that now feels quieter without his laugh, and a deer chili recipe no one can quite replicate.

A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m on January 18 at American Legion Post 42 in Gatesville where stories will be shared, laughter will be welcomed, and his memory will be honored exactly as he would have wanted.

He was a hardworking man in every sense of the word, someone who believed in earning what you have and doing things the right way. But if you knew him, you also knew his true calling was making people laugh. His jokes were constant and his laugh unmistakable. If you heard it once, you never forgot it.

Johnnie loved cold beer, hot women, and good stories; preferably all at the same time. He was a master at enjoying life’s simple pleasures and had a way of making everyday moments memorable. Fishing was one of his greatest joys. Whether he came home with a full cooler or “the one that got away,” he always returned with a grin and a story worth telling. And then there was the deer chili… Known far and wide (and fiercely guarded), his chili became legendary. People came for the chili and stayed for the company, though most would admit the chili was a big part of the deal.

Family meant everything to him, even if he didn’t always say it out loud. Johnnie showed love through showing up, lending a hand, and cracking jokes.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie H. Jackson; mother, Nevelynn Jackson; brother, Chris Jackson; and sister, Donna Kaye Jackson.

He is survived by his siblings, Nick Jackson and Susan Coco; children, Johnny Eric Jackson, Brandy Bailey, and Joshua Jackson; stepson, Stephen Eads; grandchildren, Johnny Lane Jackson, Bailey Anderson, Azlyn Jackson, Brock Ward, Layken Jackson, Jordan Jackson Commander, Blaine Beintema, Zachary Jackson, and Addison Jackson; great-grandchildren, Mickey Collier, Cora Collier, Billie McGee; and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.