Gary was born on March 24, 1952, at Camp Pendleton to Gordon and Wilma Jackson. Gary was the third of three children, arriving just moments after his twin brother, Michael. He was raised primarily in Tustin, California, although as the son of a Marine he spent three years learning how to body surf in Kaneohe, Oahu. He is survived by his wife JoAnn, his children Casey (Mina) and Christy, his parents, his sister Gail (Hal) Hanson, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Gary attended Foothill High School, where he excelled at many sports, including football, where for many years he held the record for longest punt return (86 yards). At Foothill he also met his first wife, Sue, with whom he had two children, the first at the ripe old age of 20. Gary married his devoted wife JoAnn in 2006.
Gary attended Saddleback Community College. He worked for 37 years as a metrology technician at B Braun in Irvine.
Scoop was very much a man's man. He liked the golf course and the horse track, he loved USC football, and during his younger days he spent some time on the baseball and fast-pitch softball diamonds.
Gary was a devoted husband and father. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, patient and not quick to anger, loving and understanding. He will be missed. Viewing will be 12 pm to 6 pm Wednesday September 5, 2012 at Brown Colonial Mortuary followed by his funeral service on Thursday September 6, 2012 at 12:30 pm at Calvary Chapel, 1010 Tustin Ave.,Santa Ana.