Jackson Nathan Barnes, 72, of Beaumont, died Monday, March 27, 2017. Jackson was born in Lufkin, Texas, on November 13, 1944, the only child of the late Joe Nathan (J.N.) Barnes and Thama Massingill. He moved to Clute, Texas, in 1953. A 1963 graduate of Brazosport High School, Jackson entered Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. He attained the position of Executive Officer of the Maroon Band and marched in the Bugle Rank. He graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Construction.
Upon graduation, Jackson was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He proudly served during the Vietnam conflict, commanding the only land-clearing unit in the Mekong Delta from 1969-70. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, a Bronze Star Medal, a Bronze Star Medal with Valor and two Overseas Service Bars.
In 1971, Jackson moved to Port Arthur, Texas, where he worked in construction and was later self-employed as owner/operator of a big rig. He contracted with Acme Truck Lines, and transported heavy, over-sized equipment and materials in southeast Texas.
Jackson's interests included scuba diving, restoring his vintage car, training and riding cutting horses, and riding his motorcycle.
On March 19, 2005, Jackson and Gail Aucoin Terrio were married in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jackson became step-father to Aimee Cheadle, wife of Jeffrey Cheadle, and Julie Terrio. His step-grandchildren include Julie Catherine, Connor and Mary Cheadle, and Rebecca Coughlin and Mark Hastings.
Jackson was the recipient of a bilateral lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2013. Profound gratitude is expressed to donor Nicholas and his family for this gift of extended life.
Jackson attended Wesley United Methodist Church and was a member of the New Beginnings Sunday School class. A devoted husband, loving step-father and loyal friend, Jackson will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
A graveside service for Mr. Barnes will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Cowart Street, Huntington. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His arrangements will be under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org; or Donate Life, 701 East Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219 or online at www.donatelife.net for organ transplantation.
