Douglas 'DJ' Jackson
January 9, 1954 ~ April 25, 2014
SPECIAL NOTE: The time of the funeral on Saturday has been changed to 10:30 a.m. Douglas 'DJ' Jackson, 60, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday evening, April 25, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Paramount Theatre, downtown Cedar Rapids, by Rev. brenda ehret. Visitation: 3-8 p.m. on Friday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Additional parking for the visitation is available after 5 p.m. on Friday next door to the funeral home in the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors parking lot (the corner of 19th Street and 1st Ave NE). He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughters, Charmian and Anisha; son, Desmond; his mother, Celeste; mother-in-law, Rose; sisters, Kal, Teri, Deborah, and Ruby; brothers, Don, Emitt, and Larry; four grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Doug was born January 9, 1954, to Celeste and Isaac Jackson, in Memphis, Tennessee. He married Janice Sirlona on September 2, 2000. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and State Community College in East St Louis. He moved to Cedar Rapids to take a job with Rockwell Collins. He also work numerous companies such as Channel 2, General Mills & APAC, just to name a few. At time of his passing, Doug worked for GE Capital. In the early 80's, Doug known as "Action Jackson", started his radio career with KOJC and ended his radio career as the "Smooth Brunch Operator" with KCCK. How can you give someone like Doug who loved the theatre and being in the spotlight, his just due upon passing? There is no way to cover all the lives he affected through his music, performance, and just knowing him personally. He had the ability to make everyone feel special just by being in his presence. Next to his faith, love for his family, the theatre, friends and not necessarily in that order, came bingo. Yes, they know him in Meskwaki too! He could watch 30 or more boards and keep up with yours too! We can go on and on but there is no need as we all have our own special memories of him. Now Doug is with God, safe and out of harm's way, so rest in peace my husband, my father, my son, my grandfather, my brother, my uncle, my friend, you may be gone, but never forgotten! In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established with Collins Community Credit Union, Douglas M. Jackson Memorial Fund, 1150 42nd St N.E. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
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DJ was a joy to know him…Always had a smile on his face and willing to help anyone…He will be greatly missed by all…Heaven receive a angel that is very special..
Words cannot express. I am so grateful to have known Doug, a true gentleman, gifted and talented. I will miss him dearly. I know he is resting in the peace of Christ, and Heaven will sound sweeter than ever.
DJ….you always made me laugh. Rest in peace. Make em laugh in heaven
My sympathy to Doug’s family. What a wonderful man! I worked with Doug at yellowbook, and he always had a smile- it sure made my first days easier, and the rest of them fun.
Douglas ‘DJ’ Jackson, was one of the sweetest, kindest, friendliest, most talented people that I have ever met! I didn’t get to work on stage with him but once and that was the 1998 ‘Follies’! But we met many times at TCR auditions or performances. Doug was a wonderful and talented performer! I offer my prayers and sincere condolences to Doug’s Family and Friends. In Doug’s honor I submit the following verse….
A BRIGHT LIGHT HAS GONE OUT…(By Michael M. Kelly Sr.)
Doug Jackson’s bright light has gone out
Letting some of the darkness in,
And only God understands why.
We who are left behind are not to understand,
But maybe we have to accept.
We have to accept that for a little while,
Doug’s bright light was sent to be among us,
For us to enjoy,
And now he’s gone back to God,
Where his bright light can shine forever.
Please don’t be sad for Doug,
He has gone to a place where he will be happy always,
And he will forever, remember your love…
A class act – none can imitate or improve upon. D.J. had it all and shared it with everyone. Truly a one in a million singer, entertainer and friend.
Much peace and love to u Doug you were a great person, I know that the lord welcomed you with open arms and told you “well done my son” I will never forget you. RIP my friend….
Your “lil buddy Brandon” in Phoenix, AZ
Like most of those who knew him I loved Doug for just being himself. I’m so thankful to have shared the stage with him a few times. I’m even more grateful that my two oldest children remember their experiences with Doug as younger children = PRICELESS. God Bless you Doug I hope you are singing with the choir of angels now.
Doug was a great person and coworker. He always had a kind word and a big bright smile that made everyone’s day. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
I was fortunate to see Doug on stage at a young child as my Mom joined the Follies family. I was even more fortunate to share the stage with him when I joined many years later. In particular being one of his L-O-V-E girls as he belted out the Nat King Cole Classic and swayed with each of us. And probably better yet, just a little over a month ago in what would be his final Follies. I’ll never forget our last performance seconds before we went on for his Shout solo and him looking at me in terror with big eyes “I DON’T HAVE MY MIC!” Luckily there was a cordless right behind me! I learned this year we shared the same birthday…we joked about having a joint birthday party 30’s themed since we are exactly 30 years apart. I always knew he was special but reading everyones stories and hearing how many lives he touched is truly incredible. Not sure anyone can think of a bad thing to say about DJ. I’m thankful to have known him. Enjoy those streets of gold and singing your heart out. See you soon.
I am simply an avid listener and sustaining member of KCCK. I knew last Saturday when Doug’s program, Smooth Brunch, was not on the air, that something had happened. I will greatly miss tuning in to hear the great music he played. Took me down memory lane quite often. Sincere condolences to Doug’s family.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Doug was one of a kind man that was truly a gift from God. I cannot even imagine the celebration when he arrived in Heaven! He will be missed.
Janice and family-
We are so sorry for your loss. DJ was a wonderful man!! Lots of hugs for comfort during this time of need.
I offer my condolences to Doug’s family and friends and I pray for your strength to endure life without him.
Doug and I worked together in radio for several years at KOJC-FM and we also did Peter Pan at Theater Cedar Rapids, and later in life we worked together at yellowbook.
I will miss his sense of humor and that great baritone voice, but I believe through God’s grace and mercy we will meet again one day in Heaven!
DJ,
I will forever remember your loving hugs, your beautiful smile and your incredible voice! You have left footprints on the hearts of everyone who ever met you. God only takes the best to sing in his choir, it’s amazing he let us keep you on Earth as long as he did.
Love you & miss you! Sing loud & Proud,
Tina girl
Unbelievable, shocked and thankful…God knew best when to fill another spot in his soulful chorus.He was so full of love and sunshine, always a smile,and laugh when ya met him. To the Jackson-Sirlona family, I love you and know that your strong faith will carry you through this and comfort you in the memories Doug. Just remember to breath fffffffffffffff….everyday!
Janice, I am so saddened by this. He will be missed. You and your family are in my prayers.
Was very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing he was a very nice person who always made you feel good when you were in a bad mood. I really enjoyed working with him and Janice at APAC many years ago. My prayers are with you Janice and all your family.
Much love brother. Rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to all of Doug’s family. He was truly a wonderful man and a great person. I knew him from working with him at GE Capital and also thru the church. He sang Eye of the Sparrow which was my mothers and grandfathers favorite song. When my mom passed away in 2009, Doug saw me in the parking lot at GE and came over to my car and told me how sorry he was to hear my mom had passed away. then he stood proud and sang Eye of the Sparrow to me. I will never forget that for as long as I live. He remembered that was my mom’s song. Some of my grief of losing her was released because of Doug. Rest in peace Doug, you will always be in my heart and I still can here you sing. I thank you for that. Keep on Singing
I worked with Doug at GE. He was a joy to be around, his smile and humor was illuminating. Doug will be missed greatly by his GE family. Thanks for sharing him with us. Thoughts and many many prayers for his family at this time, and in the future.
It was a blessing and an honor to know such an amazing man! Thank you Doug for your Joy it will live in our hearts for ever! Love you!
My heartfelt sympathy to Doug’s family. I was among Doug’s many fans, having known him from our Follies days and TCR shows in the 1980s. I marveled at Doug then and have admired him ever since. How blessed we were that he shared his considerable talent and his special brand of love and joy.
I love the way D.J. would great you when he seen you with a big smile & a “Well, look here how are you”. Janice if there is anything I can do for you or the family please let me know. Prayers for all you have a wonderful guardian angel on your side now.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my neighbor and childhood friend of 16th and Gaty, East St. Louis, Ill. You were the only young man that I could go over your house and play with you, and your toys. You had so many, and you were not selfish.You let me played, and played until I got tired.I am so glad that you found me on facebook. You alway kept a smile on your face, and made me feel welcome.On that note, I will check on your Mom, Mrs. Celeste for you to show my appreciation to my neighbors next door. Love Ronnie
Doug will be sorely missed. He worked at KCCK on Saturdays and I am the office manager there. My husband has stage 4 lung cancer and he was always very concerned and gave me pep talks everytime I saw him. He was a wonderful man the had no enemies and everyone was his friend. We will miss him! So sorry for your loss Janice, and the rest of the family.
Prayers go out to the family. He will be missed. But he will always be remembered. Listening to him on the radio.
Knox Family
Doug will forever hold a speacial place in my heart. I pray Janice that you and your family are strong and know that God has taken his Angel back home where Doug can live an ever lasting life of no pain and suffering. God Bless.
“The Dash” by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speakat the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came the date of birthand spoke the following date with tears,but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the timethat they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own,the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
I will miss you Doug. Your smile and happiness has carried me along the way at GE. Seeing you in your plays has marked me for life. You have always been on the mines at GE and around the community. It was so nice knowing you for the short time I had with you seem like a lifetime. God has chosen you to come home and be with him to sing and act like no other. Show all the Angels how you perform. Love you Doug.
It was an honor to know you and perform with you DJ. Truly the most genuine man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. In case you had any questions as to how much you meant to so many Doug…I hope that you can look down and see all of the posts and know!! You will be missed terribly by many. Rest well Doug.
There will never be another YOU. You made me smile and I will miss you. 🙂
It was an honor to have known Doug and Janice for so many wonderful years. Working with you all those years and the get togethers after that were always great. Les and I will forever miss your deep voice, warm smile and humor.You were truly one in a million. I know it will be hard for Janice and your family to go forward from this but they have such an awesome support of family and friends, that they will never go without some type of support. May you sing with the Angels like you sang here on Earth. Until we meet again my friend.
Janice-ter…
You and your family are in our thouhgts and prayers…BIG HUG from the Dozier’s…
Missing your smile! What a beautiful soul!
May the peace of God that goes beyond all understanding carry you and the family in this time!!!
Miss you DJ! Take care an fly away!
I was so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was always a great friend to be around. He is now in a better place and will no longer sfer from the pain he was in. My he rest in peace. You and your family will be in my thoghts and prayers.
he surely will be missed rest in peace my friend
As an avid Saturday KCCK-FM Smooth Brunch listener, it was heartbreaking to hear of Mr. Johnson’s death. It’s obvious he has left a huge positive mark on this planet – he will be missed.
DJ was a child of & gift from God! We are the better for him. Heaven gained another star…
Janice and family
My hellos to you have been in the halls at work. I just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and I wish all of you gentle days. This wonderful man reflects a wonderful family.
Doug, I can’t believe you’re gone!! I love you & miss you already. Thank you for everything!Thy loving essence was from God!!
Peace, Love, & Light,
PAUL LUNDY
I was in many a production with Doug, and will fondly remember all the laughter and fun times he always brought to the event. He is truly going to be missed. Blessings to my friend, rest in peace.
Doug- Words can’t express how much you will be missed. Many,many shows at TCR and the Paramount will always be among my fondest memories of you. Hearing you sing, listening to your humor was a blessing. You gave so much to us…now it is time to rest and be with the Lord.
doug you brighten my world, i’m sure going to miss listening to you Saturday mornings. ray
doug you brighten my world, i’m sure going to miss listening to you Saturday mornings. ray
Doug was such a wonderful guy. I shared stage time through Follies with. Mr. Magic. I am sorry I am away and will miss paying tribute to a wonderful friend and exceptional talent. May he light the heavenly stage with joy. deep sympathies to his family.
Janice,
I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know that you had a very special mate. Doug will be missed by all of us, and will never be able to be replaced.
He was truly “one of a kind!”
I’m praying for you and your family.
Doug,
They watched over you.
Now, another standing ovation,
You have arrived in Paradise.
Knock their socks off, my dear friend.
Sharon
For you another standing ovation!
Don’t we all know, You are the best.
WOW! Bradshaw and Jackson in the House! peace my Brother.
My condolences to Doug’s family. He touched many hearts and created many smiles. He was a good friend to have, and he will certainly be missed by many.
When they drew a circle that drew you out, a heretic, a rebel a thing to flout … Love and you had a wit to win … you drew a circle that drew them in.
So very sorry for your loss. The heavenly choir now has a super STAR! I have fond memories as a little girl with my Dad, Dave Jepsen and Doug. Keeping all of you in prayer. God bless…
My heart is heavy with sympathy. I am grateful to have known Doug. He was a beautiful soul and his smile could brighten the darkest day. May your memories of him help you find peace. Love & Light
Janice,
I’m not sure if you remember me. I am Tracy’s sister and was Gerry Garner’s fiance. Anyway, I just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss! We all loved Doug so much, but our loss doesn’t come close to yours. My heart goes out to you! I am sending love and healing prayers for strength and peace through this so very challenging time in your life. God will see you through.
Peace and Love,
Cindee
Doug was a light to all of us….. I loved photographing him…he always stood out in a crowd. Will miss his lovely voice and spirit….
I haven’t seen Doug in many a year, after taking a break from backstage life, but oh, that laugh!
The world is a little less bright now that Doug is no longer here. He had the world’s best smile and was the most genuine and loving person I have ever had the privilege to know. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him and getting hugs from him anymore. The world is definitely a little less bright.
I was not fortunate to know Doug, the friend, but I knew Doug, the performer. We went to every performance we could that he was part of — we went BECAUSE he was in it!! Thanks for sharing the VERY BEST in Cedar Rapids. No one else touched us like he did. We are sad with you, his family. He enriched the Cedar Rapids commnunity in a giant way. Our prayers are with you.
Jackson Family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the death of Doug. Doug brought so many gifts to my Life. I will Never Forget Doug
I will Pray for Your Strength but Most of All That God Gives You the Strength to Accept His Will
You will be missed Doug. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
REST IN LOVE
I will miss your smile, your hugs and your smooth voice! So glad to have known you. May we all take a piece of you through the rest of our lives, sharing your joy with the world! You are missed, dear friend.
Dear Doug, May your spirit fly free and easy and music fill your soul… My prayers and sincere sympathy to Doug’s family.
A true angel has been sent to heaven. DJ…you will truly be missed by all of us! I will definitely miss your infectious laugh, your smiles and your gigantic hugs! RIP my friend.
Doug always had a smile and kind words whenever I saw him at work at GE. My condolences to your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Janice. I know he is singing with the angels, now!!
I will always remember how kind Doug was. He was never too busy to stop and say “hello”, and he was an inspiration to those whose lives he touched. He will be dearly missed.
Janice, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. He had many friends and family in Cedar Rapids. I wish you and your family peace in this time of loss.
Sincerely, Liz
Janice, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Doug was an inspiring and wonderful person. God Bless.
As is the case for many others, Doug’s voice, warmth, humor and excellent taste in jazz and soul has been with me every Saturday morning for many, many years. i will miss staring my weekend with him, and would like to thank his family for sharing him with us.
Doug was the most loving and lovable person we have ever met. We will miss him very much.
We send our love to Janice and the children and Rose.
Janice and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of DJ!
I thank God everyday that He brought Doug into this world to spread his joy, happiness and his love of God to all he touched!!!
We are all so much better to have known him! 🙂
I was blessed to meet DJ when we were both working at McLeod Publishing. I had my own band in the area and we were having a singing contest at our McLeod PubCo Bash. DJ did me the honor to be my singing partner for the duet, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”! We did it for fun not thinking we would win, but WE DID!!!! We were so excited because we won a day off with pay! 🙂
I can’t begin to thank you all for sharing Doug with the WORLD!!
HE will live on in ALL OUR HEARTS!!
God bless you all!!!!
This man not only knew the soul of music; he knew the soul of people. Whether I saw him at Mt. Mercy, TCR, Liar’s or Wal Mart he knew me and the state of my soul. What an amazing guy. I couldn’t wait to hear him sing. Too bad we never shared living in the St. Louis area. But what we did share was a love for music and my love for the way he could sing it! I and my better half will miss him tremendously! Lovin you whether – times are good or bad happy or sad!!!!!!
I had not been on a stage until working with DJ at Yellow book. Our employee party how could you not do Swinging when DJ was singing it. Love ya God bless all his family.
DJ, I met you thru my sister Ruth who worked with you at Yellowbook. She said you have to go to the theater to hear my friend DJ sing! She said there is no one like him! We went to see him in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Ruth was right again. He was outstanding and no one could compare. He was sweet, honest and so professional. His personality and smile just sucked you in. He could make you believe he was anyone he wanted to be! There are not enough words to express how sensational he was. I and a lot of other folks are better people for having the chance to meet and love DJ. God bless you and rest in peace, for now you are truly an angel and have the voice to match!!
You will never be forgotten. To your family may God keep you in this time. Doug was a wonderful person and will always be a part of our hearts.
To the Doug Jackson family you have our sympathy may god bless you all the ray family Annie Annette bub
Doug…Thank you for being a friend. I will never forget you. I know I will see you again in my Fathers house. We will walk on streets of gold and live in mansions, Hallelujah! Take care my brotha. Thank you for being a friend.
To the family: I’m soooo sorry for your loss. I believe everyone has suffered a loss. What a fantastic and wonderful guy DJ was. I still remember how he was one of the first friends I made when I was in the cast of “Damn Yankees” at TCR. AND, it seems that every time I returned for volunteer work like ushering or for any other reason I would inevitably run into DJ and we would catch up with what was going on and share some quality time just being friends and having very nice possible warm conversations about whatever one would like to talk about. He is and will continue to be sorely missed.