|
Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy
On behalf of the Class of 1980 I expess my deepest sympathy to Tracy's family. His death has sent a shockwave throughout our class. Many have expressed how many good memories they have of Tracy and noted they always looked forward to the reunions and he was one they always enjoyed catching up with. Personally I know that smile will live on in my memory. May your personal memories get you through this most difficult time. Toni (Botkins) Monsen To the Family of Tracy Jackson, you have my sincere condolences. Paulette Rogers of Cricket Communications Human Resources. To the Jackson Family:
I want to express my condolences and sympathy for your loss. Tracy was
one of those people that you never forget. His smile, his love of life
and his natural ability to make people laugh will always stick with me.
At every class reunion, Tracy was one of the people I always enjoyed
catching up with and joking with. Before our 25th reunion, when he found
out I was coordinating the entertainment, he sent me an e-mail and made
me promise to play some dance music, so that everyone could get out on
the floor at BoBo's and have a good time. We did . . . and they did.
Tracy was one of those people who could make friends with anyone, simply
by being himself. I consider myself lucky to have been one of those
friends, and he will live on in my heart as a truly wonderful person.
Sincerely,
John David Cline
johndavidcline@comcast.net To Herb and Jessie and your family. Was so sorry to hear about your lost. I just saw Barry at Wendy's class reunion and it was so good to catch up on the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joyce Clayton I GREW UP WITH TRACY'S BROTHER BARRY, AND EVEN THOUGH TRACY
WAS QUITE A FEW YEARS OLDER, I GOT TO KNOW HIM OVER THE FEW
YEARS AT THE BEGINNING OF ME AND BARRY'S FRIENDSHIP. HE USED
TO D.J. SOME THEN AND I WOULD LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT HE
PLAYED. AND HIS CERTAIN TASTES THEN KINDA RUBBED OFF ON ME.
ALSO, HE CAME HOME FROM COLLEGE IN THE SUMMERS SO HE WAS
HOME WHEN BARRY AND I HUNG OUT TOGETHER. I AM SO SORRY,
HERB, JESSE AND BARRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
TRACY, NOT ONLY AS MY FRIEND'S BIG BROTHER, BUT ALSO A
FRIEND. REST IN PEACE TRACY. To Herbert, Jesse and family. John and I want to express our condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. We know that it is truly hard to see your children leave this earth before you do. But just know that Tracy is in God's Hands at peace sitting around The Throne of Grace. Our prayer is that God will sustain you through your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John W. Sr and Evelyn M. Brown To Mama & Papa Jackson, Barry and Family,
Words cannot express how much I will miss Tracy. There will always be a very special place in my heart for him. I will truly miss the way he could always make me laugh, either by picking on me or himself. He knew he would never win a spelling bee and my favorite things to do in Chicago were dine & shop, especially if I could do it with him. We shared a very special bond from the very first time we met 16 years ago. I've lost my best friend, but will have wonderful memories for a life time. Family, I love you all. Marla I first met Tracy in Junior High School and we became good friends and worked together at Plaza IGA and graduated together with the MHS class of 1980. I also attended CMSU and stayed in touch with Tracy during our four years there. I always looked forward to seeing him at the class reunions and called him a few times when I was in Chicago.
I was hoping to come to the funeral to tell you in person what a great person Tracy was and what a wonderful friend he was to me all these years, but I leave for Athens, Greece on Friday and won't be able to attend.
I just want to express my deep sympathy to the family and pray that God will guide you through this hard time. I thought of Tracy like a brother and he was one of the nicest and classiest guys I've ever know. We were looking forward to getting together for the 30 yr. reunion next year. His smile and the way he touched my life will stay with me forever. I will be praying for your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim Burditt, Class of 1980.jimburditt@hotmail.com I worked with Tracy at Midamerica bank in Naperville, Illinois. I cannot find the words to express how much Tracy will be missed! He touched so many lives! His humor support, and love that he gave to so many will never be forgotten! I could be having the worst day and Tracy would walk in, ear phones in his ears, bopping around to his music with his big smile and you could not help but be in a good mood. He brought that kind of energy to people! My deepest sympathy goes out to you all! You are all in my thoughts in prayers!
Pam Kozar Herb & Jesse, our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we got the news of Tracy’s passing. Tracy’s smile and personality could light up a room, and often did.
I first met Tracy in 6th grade at Garfield School, and we were close throughout our school years together, having both graduated from CMSU in ’84. Tracy and I shared an office when we were both rookies in the Marketing Department at A.B. Chance in Centralia. I remember one afternoon when Tracy began telling Greg Davenport and me about his mother, Jesse, catching his brother Barry sneaking in late one night. Now, if you never had the opportunity to hear Tracy tell a story, then you really missed out. Tracy’s stories always grew in animation depending on the size of his audience. By the time Tracy got to the end of the story, and Barry’s demise, there were probably 10 people standing in the hall outside our office. Most of them had tears of laughter streaming down their faces.
With our 30-year class reunion quickly approaching, there will be a void without Tracy where there had always been laughter before. We will miss our friend, Tracy Jackson.
Mike & Deanna Lincoln
Dear Jackson Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all of you during this most
difficult time. Tracy and I became friends in 1995 where we worked together
at AT&T. We remained good friends for all these many years. I am going to
miss all the fun and laugher when we were together. Tracy is one of those
rare people who can touch many people. My family and I are praying for you.
TJ will away be with me and I am extremely proud and honored to call him my
friend. Sincerey, Patrick Barry, pbarry34@sbcglobal.net Dear Jackson Family - I am so sorry for your loss of Tracy. My deepest sympathy for your family. I worked with Tracy at AT&T from 1997-2001. He was so full of life, made me laugh everyday, tried to get me to believe he was really from Mexico, and introduced me to Gates BBQ sauce. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many people. I am sure we will all see his smiling face shining down on us from Heaven above. Angela Heinig and Family Dear Jackson Family: Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Tracy and I were in the same class at Mexico High School and although we have not seen each other in a few years, I will miss him. Tracy had a great sense of humor and could always make me laugh. I was privileged to be his friend. Andy Marty Dear Jackson Family: Our deepest Sympathies from Fraternity Brother Alex Hogue and all the members of Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Omega Chapter. TO THE FAMILY OF MR. TRACY A. JACKSON
The one you loved so much is safe within God's care,
and you're safe within the love of those who care so
much for you. Keeping you close in Thought and Prayers.
Onnie & Percy Macon To the Jackson Family - Tracy and I worked together at AT&T and had many laughs together with him and his many friends. Tracy was always upbeat and fun to be around. He always found time to come out with us softball and basketball guys even though he did not play with us. I am so sorry for your loss and I will truly miss Tracy. God said "Well done my good and faithful servant" and took him home. Dale Brown and Family.
To the Jackson Family: I am extremely sorry for your loss, and am praying for your family during this difficult time. I met Tracy in 2000, when I moved to IL and began working for AT&T. My youngest sister attended Mizzou in Columbia, and Tracy took us "under his wing" from that point on. Tracy always found a way to make me howl with laughter, or atleast smile and hold my head up to get through the rough times. His joyful spirit was contagious and I will truly miss his friendship. Sincerely, Tamera Y. Anderson Dear Jackson Family.
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. It was just a year ago that I loss my dear Mother.
I can tell you that in the midst of all your emotions you feel at this time GOD is there. I also know that he will continue to be there thru eternity!
The word asks the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer is yes! I will never forget my neighbor Tracy!
I recall that his presence would dominate the room. His deep voice, his laughter, and that wonderful smile. Tracy was a kind person never too busy to stop to say "hello." As we grow older we realize that it really is the small things that matter so much to others.
I was proud to be my brother's keeper. I was proud to be my neighbor's keeper. Now the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords is keeping Tracy in perfect peace.
May the Lord comfort the entire family in their hour of mourning. May he continue to shine down on you, a give you not only rest, but restoration for your souls.
Submitted with Love,
"Your Neighbor"
Aquilla U. Butler,Oklahoma City, OK Dear Jackson Family please except my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Gary chink Lewis.
Dear Jackson Family, I am extremely sorry for your loss. I worked with Tracy at MidAmerica Bank and he was one of the reasons I looked forward to coming to work. He always had something funny to say to make your day better. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in his memeory and know that only time will heal your pain.
I will miss him greatly. Herb, Jessie, Barry and family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about your loss.
When someone you love becomes a memory the memory becomes a treasure.
Buddy and Janet Wieberg Dear Jackson Family,
It is with heartfelt sympathy that I say to you how sorry I am for the loss of your loved one. Tracy was truly a wonderful person and will be missed by many. I had the pleasure of knowing Tracy through our years at CMSU. Tracy's beautiful and warm smile could always light up a room. May the Lord continue to keep you in his loving arms and comfort you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family.
REST IN PEACE my friend Tracy.
Carolyn Eubanks Stemmons Dear Jackson Family,
My sincere condolences are with you guys in your time of mourning. I worked everyday with Tracy and I will truly miss him. He was forever the practical joker and truly a gentleman. Tracy and I became really good friends in our short time knowing each other and I am so grateful to have met such an all around great guy! I am going to miss our daily talks and dreams about private jets and living the life of the rich and famous. I will also miss his encouraging words in my time of need, he knew what I was going through and always managed to place a smile on my face. He talked about his family all the time and was excited about the reunion you all just had and the trip down with his brother Barry to see his niece Ashley. I know God needed him more and had to call one of his Angels home. My prayers are with each and everyone of you, God Bless you all. Sherita Demby
Dear Jackson Family,
My husband and I have known Tracy for at least 16 years,he was at our wedding and had been a part of many New Year's Eve celebrations. Tracy will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his beautiful smile. Our deepest condolences go out to your family. "No person is ever truly alone. Those who live no more, Whom we loved, Echo still within our thoughts, Our words, our hearts." by Richard Fife.
To Tracy's brother Barry, I am not sure if you will remember me, but we worked together at Levi Straus. A special thought and prayer is with you at this time.
We currently live in Texas and will be unable to attend the funeral, but you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Donna & Thomas Harvey
To The Family of Tracy Jackson: In being a fellow classmate from Garfield to the "new" Junior High and then on the MHS, Tracy always had a smile to brighten any one's day. Even though I won't be able to make the visitation services, my thoughts and prayers will be with your family. My sincere condolences to the Jackson family.
Tammy L. (Johnson) Gish Class of 1980 Herb and family--Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Harold and Mary Lou Enslen Jackson family, we were fortunate enough to be his neighbor for 4+ years. He was always encouraging, thoughtful, smiling, and seeing his bright smile instantly cheered you up. He was a big brother who watched out for you. The boys grew up next to a man who looked out for them. This world will not be the same without him.
Rest in peace Tracy. We will miss you terribly.
Karla, Adam, Matt & David To the Jackson Family, I am writing on behalf of my family and myself. We are deeply sadden by the loss of Tracy. He was a special soul placed on this earth to bring great energy and joy to all he met. I had the great fortune to know Tracy here in Chicago through several mutual friends. We also had the opportunity to ski together and the memories continue to bring back such fond thoughts. He was a great person and we will all miss his presence. May God bless all of you and bring you peace in this hour.
C. Adam and Jacqueline Callery Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jackson--
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your son Tracy. As a parent myself
I can only imagine how terrible it must be to lose a child. Tracy and I both
worked at the Edward Health and Fitness Center doing the same job at
different times. We walked the same halls, stood at the same counter and
made entries in the same log book. There are only about a dozen of us who
do this and I feel that a piece of our team has been suddenly taken from us. I
liked Tracy. He had spunk. To me he was the reversal of an old adage: he was
a velvet hand in an iron glove. He might have sometimes presented a tough
exterior but he was a tender man inside. I'll miss seeing him jogging around
the track.
We held a memorial ceremony for him today here at the health center. Many
people spoke about their memories of your son and in hearing them I learned
a lot about the man whom I knew only a little. I think I missed out in not
knowing him more -- but I am grateful for knowing him at all. His memory
brought a lot of us together today and we are closer and better for it.
Sincerely,
Calvin Roesner
Just finished memorial at Edward Health Club in Naperville,IL. where Tracy was a regular. I want you to know how much he inspired us. He will not be forgotten. It was a privilege to have known him. Laurie Janda Naperville, IL. Dear Jackson Family, please accept my sympathy condolences for your loss of a truly special family member. I, too, was a member of the MHS Class of 1980 and have special memories of Tracy's smile, kindness and spirit. I have shared his note about his experience in Grant Park on election night with many of my family members and friends. When our class reunites next year, we will all miss his smile and laughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Nathalie Elliott Dear Mr and Mrs. Jaskson - There is nothing to say to express such a deep loss of a child. Please know that so many wonderful people that Tracy touched are hurting also. His smile touched us all. You will meet again with your son, because those who live in the LORD never see each other for the last time. (AM - St. Louis, MO) Dear Jackson Family I want to express my condolences to you all. Tracy was a wonderful person who without fail kept a smile on my face everytime I encountered him. Tracy and I worked together and were on the same team at Cricket. When we first met we went on a ride along so I could show him the ropes and by the end of the ride along we were singing songs in the car and cracking jokes like two old friends. Tracy was my big brother at work. He was always a good listener, shared good laughs, and never let me forget to see the positive in all things. I am truely saddned by our loss. I know Tracy or Trace as I called him is in a better place. I am praying for you all. God bless Victoria Coleman Oak park, IL Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jackson & Family of Tracy Jackson-
I knew Tracy for a very brief period of time as I atteded school for two years with him at CMSU. But in the brief time I got to know him his spirit was one that kept him looking out for and loving all who he encountered. I know his living was not in vain. Peace be still! God has unveiled another angel to watch over us all... (PDM~Chicago, IL) To the entire Jackson family & friends of Tracy Jackson: I had the honor & pleasure to sit beside Tracy at Cricket Communications. What a gentle sole....Tracy had a golden heart! Tracy was a great guy! He would help anyone that needed him. He was more then a coworker...Tracy was a friend! Although his seat is empty beside me now...he'll have a seat in my heart FOREVER!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL...Thea Camara ~ Bolingbrook, IL Dear Mr. Ms. Jackson & Family - Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Tracy. I worked with him for the last 3 years at the Edward Health and Fitness Center. In fact, Tracy helped to indoctrinate me into the Manager on Duty Job we shared. I went to the memorial service held for him at the Fitness Center last Wednesday. I wish you could have been there. I'm sure it comes to no surprise to you that Tracy had a lot of friends. The ceremony was wonderful. There were probably 80 people or so in attendance. I for one will have a hard time looking at the Fitness Center indoor track without remembering Tracy running around it. Every time I was at the Health Club Tracy was either working or working out. It's so ironic that this should have happened to someone who appeared to be in such good shape. We will all greatly miss him. He was an inspiration and a joy to be around. (Mike Steffens - Naperville, IL) Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jackson & Family - It was a great honor to know Tracy. Tracy always had a smile on his face and a indidvudal that would always give his heart. When Ivan called me and told me the news about Tracy I was in complete shock as it was so hard for me to believe. Tracy my not be in our presence but he will always be remember and never forgotten. When god blessed him he got an angel of love. Please accept my condolences and sympathy of the loss of Tracy as he will be greatly missed in everyones heart.(Stephanie Jones-Osbourne - Columbia, Missouri). Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jackson & Family - Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. Despite not having seen Tracy for 10+ years, I have only fond memories of our times together while growing up in Mexico. I will forever miss Cousin Tracy. Apologies for not being able to attend today's service, however, our prayers remain with each of you. GOD SPEED!...Lance Graves Tracy you made me smile everytime you came to the North side of Chicago. I always admired how happy and optimistic you were all the time.
I will miss you,
Gabriela - Cricket Communications Herbert & Jessie - The Galbreath siblings would like to express our sincere condolences on your loss. As a friend and classmate of Tracy's this has been very sad for me. Even though I had not seen Tracy in awhile, I will always remember us growing up on the same street, being in class together then graduating high school. Tracy was such a hilarous person and I will always remember that hugh warm smile and sense of humor he had. May God continue you all and I will keep you in my prayers. - Dorothy (Galbreath) Scruggs & siblings Dear Family and fellow friends of Tracy,
When we were kids, Tracy and I were teammates, and practiced
at Garfield ball diamond. I didn’t attend Eugene Field,
but Tracy did, and he had my very tough Grandmother as a
teacher. And I think Tracy's Uncle Ivan was in the
class.
My mother has an aunt who is younger than her, and I
remember Grandma telling me that she had discussed this with
Tracy.
So, me being a confused 10 year kid, I somehow started
talking with the always gregarious Tracy about family.
He was a better talker than anyone I knew, and he told
me that his cousins were actually Michael and Jermaine and
the rest of the Jackson Five, and Uncle Iv wasn’t in the
Five. Tracy was a good salesman, and, as I religiously
watched the Jackson 5ive Saturday morning cartoon, I used
to think “Those are my buddy Tracy’s cousins”.
So, when I heard that Michael had passed, I wrote to Tracy.
He was very complementary of Michael Jackson, and said “You
have to remember just how big this guy’s life was”.
Yes, Tracy, I do remember how big Tracy Jackson’s life was.
Always a huge smile, and a keen insight wrapped inside a
good joke.
Some days I thought he was the only person in the high
school who liked me. Some people who really did have only
one friend in high school – that friend was Tracy.
He had the courage to go to Chicago, and work hard. His
first person reporting from the Obama victory rally made my
whole month – fortunately I told him that.
He was the person you’d want to see if you had a flat tire.
He’d help you laugh and help you forget about being upset at
the same time.
May we all have Tracy’s courage, and live by his example.
Goodbye and godspeed to my friend and role model. Be a
good grandson on my behalf to your 4th grade teacher in
heaven.
Jake (formerly known as Jerry) Engle Dear Jackson Family:
I just found out a few days ago about the death of Tracy from another former classmate. I have not seen Tracy in many many years. We attended Mexico High School together. My most sincere and deepest condolences.
Lisa Marie (Plotner) (Johnson) Mohan
LMMohan40@yahoo.com
Alton, Illinois |
