Harry M. Jackson

REFLECTIONS OF HIS LIFE

“In everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 3

A TIME TO BE BORN

Harry Mountjoy Jackson was born to the union of Solomon and Nellie E. Jackson on August 23, 1928 in the Armourdale District of Kansas City, Kansas.

Harry received his education at Phillips and Garrison elementary schools, Northeast Jr. and Sumner High School.

A TIME TO LOVE

Harry was united in holy matrimony to Bernice Kizeart on December 30, 1960.  They became a “team for the Lord”.  They spread the good news of Jesus through their God given musical gifts at the Salem Baptist Church and throughout the Kansas City metro area for over 50 years.

Harry was a loyal and dedicated husband who fully demonstrated commitment to his wedding vows.  Harry and Bernice were the parents of two children who died at birth.

A TIME TO BUILD UP

Harry professed a hope in Christ and was baptized at an early age.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Armourdale (now Forest Grove Baptist Church) for over 50 years.  He joined Salem Baptist Church in 2003.  In January of 1956, the pastor of a fledgling, two-year-old church placed a telephone call to a local musician to see if he would come and play for their worship services.  Little did either of them know that, that conversation would orchestrate a relationship that would create beautiful music for over 50 years.

The harmony began on a Sunday morning on a small spinet piano at Economy Hall – a rented community building also used for Saturday night dances.  Fifty years – and a couple of pianos – later, the music continued on a new baby grand piano in a 700+ seat sanctuary dedicated solely for worship.

If you name it, he’s played for it.  Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Male Chorus, C B Bailey Singers, Breakfast In Hollywood, Revivals, Funerals, Prayer Meetings, numerous soloists, a plethora of special days and church engagements and who wants to attempt to count the unfathomable number of rehearsals.  Pianist, Director, Minister of Music, Counselor, birthday-card-sender, faithful servant and friend.

Harry was a strong and dedicated Christian.  He promised the Lord that he would only use his musical gift for His work.  He kept his word until the end.  He was extremely generous person.  He had a special love for the youth and the elderly. 

Harry served in the Korean War.  He was employed with the United States Postal Service for 46 years. 

A TIME TO DIE

Harry was preceded in death by parents, two infant children, six siblings and his loving and devoted wife.

On January 15th, he slipped away to be with the Lord, and to play for that heavenly choir.  Harry spent his last day praising the Lord and witnessing to the medical personnel at KU Medical Center and to anyone that would listen.

He leaves to cherish the time we had with him.  Special Nieces, Eddie Mae Cook; Kathleen Jones; Special Nephew, Elder George Morrow and his wife Deborah; Goddaughters, Gloritis Sloan; Karen Martin (Jeffrey); Gwen Ridgnal; Camelia Cochran; Doretha Sloan; Godsons, J. D. Sloan; and Rev. Jimmie L. Banks; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A TIME TO DANCE

Harry loved the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul, and with his entire mind, and he loved people.  He did what the Lord required of him by doing justice, he was a kind and humble man.  He loved the Lord, He trusted the Lord, and He served the Lord!

Harry is rejoicing now because he knows that his faithful endurance will win him the heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for him”.

I’VE DONE MY WORK

I’ve done my work, I’ve sung my song, I’ve done some good, I’ve done some wrong, Now I shall go where I belong.  The Lord has willed it so.  He knows my heart and every thought.  He knows what pain and joy I’ve brought; and by His love I shall be taught the way to Him I know.  He knows my soul so weak and blind.  So full of fears of mortal mind, And He will lead, and I will find the way to Him I know.  He guides my steps and He knows best, He will no harm where He is blest.  And so good night, I’ll take my rest, where sweet wild roses grow.

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