Mr. Roger Douglas Jackson

Roger Douglas Jackson, 80, of Salem SC, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023 after a short illness. Roger is survived by his sons Scott (wife Tara, children Ryan and Brody) of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Lee (wife Belinda, children Davis and Avery) of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as his two sisters MaryAnn Voigt and Joyce Otkin, and his nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Carole Ann Jackson, his brother Don Jackson and wife Loretta, and his parents Basil and Evelyn Jackson. Roger leaves behind his special companion of nine years, Adrianne Brandecker. After graduating White High School in White, South Dakota, Roger left the farm life and served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964. Trained as a Russian linguist, he subsequently spent 42 years in intelligence positions, mostly at the National Security Agency (NSA) where he ended his career as a senior executive. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland (BS); John Hopkins University (MAS); the National War College; Federal Executive Institute; MIT “Twenty-One” program and lectured at the National Cryptologic School. Highlights of his career included serving as Technical Director of the Naval Operations Intelligence Center, Director of Operations of the Defense Special Missile and Astronautics Center, Director responsible for European Command during the Kosovo Conflict (Operation Allied Forces) and at Central Command during Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Deputy of Production Group at NSA and Chairman of the Intelligence Analysis Career Panel. In 1990 Roger was awarded the President’s Meritorious Executive Service Award, and in 2002 the Director’s Distinguished Service Medal. Before his retirement, Roger and his family served tours in Cheltenham, England, Fort Meade, Maryland, Tokyo, Japan, Stuttgard, Germany and Tampa, Florida. Roger loved all sports, but excelled in baseball and softball. He played on the 2010 National Championship Softball Senior team, the Carolina Crush. He also attended the Braves Fantasy Camp. It included the same workout as the pros, uniforms, baseball cards, which was all a dream come true for him! Roger enjoyed stain glass work, soccer (avid Arsenal fan much to his grandson’s chagrin), and tennis. He spent many hours exploring his genealogy history, even tracing his family back to the 1200s in England. He published his own story, “What Did Dad Do? “which is an amazing memory for the family to have. He loved nothing more than talking to his sons and getting play by plays of the grandchildren’s soccer and tennis matches. Roger retired to Keowee Key in Salem, South Carolina, a community on Lake Keowee. He served on numerous committees including planning, nominating, and tennis. He was instrumental in introducing Pickleball to Keowee Key and started the Novice Tennis Program which thrives today. He made many incredible friends and memories there and was very active socially. A quote from Roger: “I’ve lived an incredible life, one full of interesting and challenging events. It would be a mistake to not give credit to Carole, who supported me in so many ways and the boys, Scott and Lee, who navigated the perils of youth, schooling and careers with distinction, and who, with their families, have brought me great joy”. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 2, 2023, in the Davenport Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills, Cottingham Hospice House, Attn: Foundation Office, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672. The family is very grateful for the care he received there, and sends their heartfelt thanks to the staff.

Mr. Roger Douglas Jackson

December 27, 1942 - August 24, 2023