Cedric Bernard Jackson was born in Washington, DC. He graduated from Coral Springs High School, Coral Springs, FL in 1985.
Pursuing his goal of becoming an Air Force Officer and Pilot, he entered the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After attending Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, he received his first assignment to the 24th Air Refueling Squadron, flying KC-135’s out of Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
On February 14, 1992 he married his wife, Mary C. Miller of Monticello, Indiana.
In 1994 he transferred to the 310th Airlift Squadron at Howard AFB, Panama, to fly the C-27 Spartan. The C-27s were used at that time to support the U. S. counter drug efforts in South America, performing tactical airlifts at a low level, landing on unprepared runways.
On March 12, 1998, he received an appointment to join the Georgia National Guard’s 128th Bomb Squadron to fly B-1 Bombers. While flying the B-1’s, he was commissioned as a Major in the U. S. Air Force.
In 1999, he was hired by FedEx as an MD11 First Officer. He upgraded to MD 11 Captain in 2012, then he moved on to fly the 777 in 2016.
After leaving active duty service, Major Jackson continued serving the U. S. Air Force as an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer, finishing out his commitment to the Air Force and retiring in 2005.
His love for the outdoors was only surpassed by the love he had for his family. He was a hands-on father, devoted to teaching his two sons everything he knew from water sports to flying. He loved kiteboarding, paddle surf, paddle board with his family on the Indian River, snowboarding, ride his One Wheel everywhere (even to water the trees in the front yard) and he loved flying his Velocity.
Cedric’s caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone he came in contact with. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Mary Jackson; sons, Cedric Jackson (CJ) and Ian Jackson; devoted parents, Roosevelt Jackson, Sr. and Ruth Ferguson Jackson; brother, Roosevelt Jackson, Jr. and numerous other relatives.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
Note LWFA - Cedric Jackson in the memo.
Send checks to
OBAP
19 Mantua Rd
Mt. Royal NJ 08061
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