Crusaders Prepare Candlelight Vigil, Memorial Services for Dave Jackson

"One of the greatest men I had the honor to know" ... "an incredible individual" ... "one-of-a-kind" ... "a person who 'walked what he talked'" and "a legend" have all been phrases used by friends, family and students to describe the late Dave Jackson, who passed away from a heart attack Sunday.

As news of the former L'Anse Creuse High School North principal's death spread, many in the community took to Patch, Facebook and Twitter to share memories of the man they loved and respected in equal measures.

Some comments recalled his school spirit, while others told of his infectious laugh and commanding presence in the halls. All remembered the unfailing compassion and support he gave each and every one of his students.

Today and Saturday, the students and staff of L'Anse Creuse North are inviting all who knew him to a series of events organized to honor his life as a coach, principal and friend.

When the varsity Crusaders take on Dakota High School in boys basketball this evening, the game will be dedicated to Jackson. Tip off is at 7 p.m. and the LCN Student Council is asking community members to pack the gym with Crusader black and gold.

T-shirts will be on sale for $10 and proceeds will benefit the Dave Jackson Athletic Scholarship, created earlier this week by fellow L'Anse Creuse coaches to commemorate Jackson's longtime support of Macomb County athletics.

A candlelight vigil will be held following the game at 9 p.m. Starting in the high school cafeteria, attendees will light their candles and proceed to Zimmerman Field. A short ceremony will be held on the football field, and participants will be asked to make a silent lap around the track. Those wishing to participate should plan to bring their own candles.

The visitation for Jackson will be held Friday, from 3-9 p.m., at Gendernalik Funeral Home, 35259 23 Mile Road, in New Baltimore.

The funeral will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, at Immaculate Conception Church, 9764 Dixie Highway, in Ira Township.

Following the service on Saturday, a luncheon wake will be held at LCN for all community members wising to pay their respects. This luncheon was made possible by donations from community organizations and businesses, including the LCN Student Council, National Honor Society, Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters, and other school organizations.

A memorial Facebook page has also been created for friends and family to share their memories and photos.

"Mr. Jackson was the Greatest man I have ever known," wrote former student Ashley Brown Luvisthekey on Patch. "... He was always there for his students ... (there were) times I wanted to give up in school but he always had something encouraging to say. Mr. Jackson always saw the best in his students even when others didn't ... Mr. Jackson thank you for always being there for me..."

A Life of Service

Jackson retired as principal of LCN in 2011, but stayed with L'Anse Creuse Public Schools as athletic coordinator for the district's middle and high schools.

“Mr. Jackson inspired everyone around him to reach out in service to our community,” said Robert Randlett, interim superintendent, in a prepared statement. “He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and enthusiasm to the philosophy that all individuals have worth and that everyone has the potential to succeed."

Jackson began his teaching career in 1973 and spent the next 19 years in the Catholic school system. He worked at St. Mary's School in Mount Clemens, Notre Dame High School and Cardinal Mooney High School.

When not teaching American civics, government or physical education, he coached basketball and served as an athletic director and dean of students.

His last years of service in Catholic schools were spent as an administrator for Sacred Heart College and Seminary.

He spent the next 19 years in public schools, first at Richmond High School and then in L'Anse Creuse.

He was inducted into the Macomb County Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 and named Administrator of the Year for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) in 2009.

In 2011, he received the Clinton Township Area Optimists Club Achievement in Education Award saying, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the students and staff at all the schools I have been associated with in the last 38 years. The outstanding students, staff, and parents are really who deserve this award as well. If it were not for all of them I wouldn't have accomplished anything in my career.”