With the passing of retired Senior Firefighter John Wayne Jackson on Saturday, September 17, see prior announcement, many remember Jackson’s renowned skills as a firehouse cook. He was among those featured in this News and Observer story on March 17, 1988. It includes his recipe for pineapple layer cake.
I came through training with John Wayne and I knew he was a special person right from the get go. He was a self taught man that didn’t mind helping anyone that needed help and I was one. He had a side job and he hired me to help him on many occasions. The extra money helped my growing family and I could sure use the extra money. He loved to fish and hunt and was very good at both. John Wayne had a dry sense of humor and was one of the kindest people I knew. He is going to be missed by all that knew him. RIP Brother