Cover photo for Jay Jackson's Obituary
Jay Jackson Profile Photo
1935 Jay Jackson 2024

Jay Jackson

April 14, 1935 — February 8, 2024

Hendersonville, TN

Jay Jackson of Hendersonville passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024 at the age of 88. He was born April 14, 1935 in Haskell, Oklahoma to Rev. Alton and Edith Jackson. He met the love of his life, Jean Jackson, and was smitten from her first smile. They married and had a son, Jay D. Jackson, that was his pride and joy.

 

Jay was heralded over the years as a pioneer and mainstay in the world of country music. After serving in the Marine Corps, Jay had a varied career, mostly in the hospitality and music industries. Jay spent time in a gospel quartet, the Song Fellows singing tenor. He started his career in Nashville with John T. Benson as the first employee with Heart Warming Records, then joined the Hank Snow Enterprises. Jay’s love of hospitality took him into the restaurant business for a while, opening a Dipper Dan’s Ice Cream Shop, and creating and operating both Luigi’s Pizza and Papa John’s Pizza. Jay was able to blend his love of the restaurant business and music at Papa John’s by having a stage where he and other musicians performed. Ultimately, Jay founded Screen Play, Inc. along with his wife Jean and son Jay. At Screen Play, Jay worked alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years by providing merchandise and support.

 

Jay was the epitome of a gentleman, a true friend, and an amazing storyteller. He had a heart for his fellow man, was a supporter of the underdog, and loved everyone he met. He was an incredible artist, talented songwriter, and overall talented musician. He was truly a renaissance man.

 

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, February 12 from 4pm-7pm at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 and Tuesday, February 13 at 12pm with the service following at 1pm at the Chapel of First Baptist Church Hendersonville, 106 Bluegrass Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075. In lieu of flowers, please make donations  to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

 

Jay was preceded in death by his wife Jean Jackson, his parents Rev. Alton and Edith Jackson, his brother Gene Jackson, and sister-in-law Janette Jackson. Jay is survived by his loving son, Jay D. Jackson, his nieces Darla (Brian) Hughes and Jana Jackson, along with countless friends who he always made feel like family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jay Jackson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, February 12, 2024

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Hendersonville Funeral Home

353 E Main St, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)

Hendersonville First Baptist Church

106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

First Baptist Church Hendersonville

TN

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

2:15 - 3:15 pm (Central time)

Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center

353 E Main St, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 3410

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree