Connie Lynn Jackson

Connie Lynn Jackson (CJ) was born on November 3, 1976, in Ft Worth, Texas, to Reuben and Nancy Jackson. He passed away on October 29, 2021. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 9:30 at Trinity Baptist Church, with the service to follow at 11:00.  Viewing will be available Thursday November 4 ^th from 9am-5pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

Reuben was in the Air Force which took his family to many places and landed in Abilene in 1989. The Jacksons fell in love with Abilene and settled there after Reuben retired. CJ attended Abilene High, where he was a gymnast and soon decided his goal was to be the Abilene High gymnastics coach when he grew up.

He attended Hardin-Simmons University where he met his wife Stevanie in 1997. He graduated from HSU in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then attended McMurry University to complete a second degree in kinesiology and gain his teaching certificated.

In the fall of 2001, he was hired as a teaching assistant to help coach gymnastics at Abilene High School. In the fall of 2002, he became the head boys gymnastics coach at Abilene High School. In 2005 the gymnastics program in Abilene ISD combined and he had the pleasure of coaching gymnastics to Abilene High and Cooper High boys for ten years.

In 1998 CJ married the love of his life Stevanie Hardman. They had three precious children Keegan, Korban, and Brooklynn, who he adored. He instilled the love of gymnastics in both boys, but no matter how hard he tried Brooklynn only wanted to dance.

In 2007 CJ joined the Texas Army National Guard. He completed 13 years of service where he received several awards including Texas soldier of the year, Adjutant Generals Individual Award, Faithful Service Medal and Outstanding Service Medal. He was ranked as a Staff- Sergeant. Most recently he worked with the Recruit Sustainment Program where he prepared soldiers for basic training and AIT. He valued his service and deeply loved his country.

In 2013 CJ fulfilled another lifelong dream. He purchased the Gymnastics Sports Center and continued the amazing work the Smiths began in the mid 80's. He always saw the gym as his mission field. He worked hard to create a safe, Christian based place for children to learn to love gymnastics, cheerleading, and parkour as much as he did.

CJ served on the volunteer board for the Abilene state supported living center for several years. He was an active member at South Pointe Church where he served as a deacon and led a life group. He also served for several years on the board of the Texas Highschool Gymnastics Coaches Association.

CJ loved spending time friends and family, taking time with his gymnastics teams to Enchanted Rock, playing golf with his boys, and take anyone who would go to the country to shoot targets. Above all else he loved Jesus, his family and his friends.

CJ is preceded in death by his father Reuben. He is survived by his wife Stevanie, his children Keegan, Korban and Brooklynn, his mother Nancy, his brother Chris and his wife Bria, his grandmother Dolores and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.