Jack Jackson

Jack Jackson was born in Sullivan, Indiana and grew up on a small farm near Crown Point. He earned a B.S. degree at Purdue University in 1966 where he played baseball and was president of his dorm. Jack Jackson later went on to earn a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management at Pepperdine University.

After graduation from Purdue University in 1966, Jack Jackson worked for a brief period for General Motors. However, in January 1967 Jack Jackson felt the call of his country and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Jack Jackson then went off to flight training to become a Marine Aviator and received his Navy Wings of Gold in June 1968.

Returning from Vietnam, Jack Jackson attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School, testing aircraft for the United States military. Following that he was the aide de camp for a Two Star General. He left active duty as a Marine Captain in 1977. Jack Jackson remained active in the service of his country by staying in the Marine Corps Reserves and achieved the rank of Colonel. He was called back to active duty for Desert Shield where he served as a Harrier Instructor Pilot.

Jack Jackson continued to play an important part in the defense of his country as a key person in the Boeing Company. Jack Jackson has been a test pilot there since January 1978 and has tested virtually every type of U.S. fighter aircraft as well as two Russian fighters, accumulating over 9,000 flight hours. He is also the nation's most experienced VSTOL pilot. In October 1999 Jack Jackson went over 5,000 hours in the Harrier alone. Achieving this goal involved testing the AV 8B performing loads, spins, flying qualities, weapon separation, and engine testing. Jack Jackson has been involved in every phase of AV 8B testing since the AV 8B's first flight. Presently he is Chief Pilot Production Test and is responsible for all production activities. Jack Jackson is responsible for four different aircraft and their quality coming off the production line.

Elected to the Missouri house of Representatives in November 2002. He was also elected freshman class President in January 2003. This is the largest class in the history of the State with 90 new members. He was also recognized as Legislator of the Year 2003 by the Veteran of Foreign Wars and was made Aide de Camp on the National level.