Perry Jackson

Perry S. Jackson, 50, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN; where he currently resided surrounded by family members.

In celebration of Perry S. Jackson’s life, we remember the day he was born in Benton Harbor to Carol Lynn Jackson and Lemuel Perry Hardin (Clemontime/Time) July 6, 1974.                                                                                                                                   

Perry graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1992, but with his personality he was attending multiple class reunions.

Perry was a parole/probation advocate and was dedicated to utilizing his leadership skills to better those around him. During his life he became a Certified Legal Assistant, Fitness Trainer, and graduated from Stratford Career Institute with high honors earning a degree in Psychology.  With an additional skill of culinary arts which tapped into the roots of food safety and preparation which he observed since he was a young boy.  His strong leadership skills provided him the opportunity of being a football coach in various capacities. Perry was well studied in areas of Religion, Black History and was dedicated to impacting change in the lives of young men and women. 

Upon returning to his hometown in May of 2020, Perry continued his love for fitness working as a Personal Trainer.  He later became an entrepreneur starting PCJ Jack of All Trades, LLC where he specialized in home renovations.  Perry was able to relocate and was employed at Quarter Hill-International Road Dynamic, Inc (IRD) engineering services from July 2022 til October 2023. His current employment was with US Express as OTR Driver from February 20th til his passing.  Perry found that he shined onstage and was a motivational speaker making appearances at Benton Harbor High School’s Black History Month event, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Michigan and was featured as a Researcher & Community Advocate for the “Everyday People of the 49022” series of the Please Do Tell Podcast in collaboration with the Population Health Department at Lakeland (Corewell Health).  Perry loved watching sports, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.  He was kind hearted, generous, big spirited, and wanted the best for everyone, even if that meant putting himself last.  He will truly be missed, but never forgotten.

Memories of Perry will always be cherished by: His Father, Lemuel Perry Hardin (Clemontime/Time); Daughter: Erica DJ Gardner and granddaughter, Erin Alyse Ferguson of Houston, TX.  Brothers:  Donnie Latrell  (Sonya) Jackson, Sr. of Kansas City, MO.; Dominique Yarbrough; John Buford; Damon Jordan of Benton Harbor, MI;  Stepdad: Robert Hendrix; Stepsisters: Chanel Talley of Los Angeles, CA; Angela Hendrix-Indianapolis, IN;  Shymeca Hendrix, Baltimore, MD;  Sha-Quan Perry of Indianapolis, IN.; Aunts and Uncles:  Mildred D. Williams,  Barbara J. Smith, Tami (Ronald) Smith-Wilson,  and James Smith: Patricia A. Davis; Debra Jackson;  Gladys (Freddie) Hunter of St. Joseph, MI; Pastor Melvin (Barbara) Davis of Flushing, MI.; nieces & nephews whom he absolutely adored; and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Perry was preceded in death by:  His mother, Carol Lynn Hendrix; Brother: Jason Lewis Jordan; Grandparents:  Lucille & Robert Jackson; Grandmother:  Betty Jean Smith; Great-Grandparents Clarence Sr. & Belzora White-Hardin: Aunts and Uncles: Peggy Davis-Smith; Ernest M. Jackson; Tracy L. Jackson.

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