Dr. Joel Jackson

Dr. Joel Jackson, age 96, of Rockmart, GA , passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 18, 2025.

Joel Sealy Jackson was born in Baconton, Georgia, on August 4, 1928, a son of the late Harry U. Jackson and Carrie Sealy Jackson.

Joel grew up in the small town of Baconton with his parents, sister Martha, and brothers Harry and Kenneth. Though this was during the depression, the brothers recall a happy childhood, spending many hours hunting and fishing along the Flint River. Many memories were made, and Joel would return many times to float the Flint and camp on its banks with his son, Joel Jr.

The family moved to Cuthbert Georgia. Joel worked in the local grocery store and pharmacy. Joel graduated from Cuthbert High School and enrolled at North Georgia Military College in Dahlonega, GA.

Upon graduation, Joel entered the U.S Army and served in the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon returning from Korea, Joel was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and spent 3 years in a VA Hospital in North Carolina. During this time, he built a wooden boat that was used for fishing trips for many years.

Joel married Carolyn Paradise in 1957 and entered Veterinary Medical school at the University of Georgia. It was during this time that Joel, Jr and Judy were born.

Dr. Jackson graduated from UGA in 1961. He moved his family to Sparta, Ga where his began his veterinary practice. He cared for both large and small animals in Sparta and the surrounding counties.

In 1971, Joel relocated to Rockmart, GA and practiced many years in both Rockmart and Cedartown, GA. He retired from the Cedartown office after 40 total years of service to animals and their owners.

Joel Jackson was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Jackson, and sister Martha Eubanks. He is survived by brothers, Harry U. Jackson, and James Kenneth Jackson, a son, Joel Jackson, Jr., a daughter Judy McGinnis (David), granddaughters Haley Henderson (Matt), and Keri Jordan (Micah), and two great grandchildren, Anna and Luke Henderson. Survivors also include many beloved nieces and nephews.

Whenever possible, Joel loved to hunt, fish and play golf. He was an avid and knowledgeable bird watcher and tomato gardener. He was known as a highly skilled veterinarian, and for his quick wit and storytelling ability. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services to honor the life of Dr. Joel Jackson will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 am, First Methodist Church Rockmart, Ga.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Matt Henderson, Micah Jordan, Casey McGinnis, Bryan Culver, Chris Gordon and Matthew Gordon. Honorary pallbearers are David Jackson, nm McGinnis, Tony Coalson and Jack McGinnis.

The family will receive friends at the Methodist Church on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10 am until the service hour. The family will be accepting flowers, however, memorial contributions made to Rockmart First Methodist Church.

Interment will take place Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1 pm in St. Paul Methodist Church Cemetery, Lincolnton, GA.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Dr. Joel Jackson.