Jack Henry Dixon was born May 28, 1937, in Biddiford Trelawny, Jamaica, West Indies, to Samuel and Rachel Dixon. Jack, the youngest of five children, spent the early years close to his father, working the farm during the day and walking several miles to the Primary School in Stewart Town after he finished. That tie to the country, his parents, and the bond between his siblings were the anchors of his entire life.

After completing Primary School, Jack continued his education at Excelsior in Kingston, Jamaica, following his older brother Robert. There, he was reunited with his sisters Elsa, Joyce, and Phylis, who were continuing their education or working in Kingston.

Jack dreamed of completing his education in America, and his father dreamed that he would study agriculture and return to the land. Jack migrated to Canada with that goal in mind. He often jokingly said that he estimated Canada's cold weather before leaving Jamaica's hot climate by looking at the ice in the refrigerator.

Jack's educational journey eventually brought him to study at Moorhead State College in Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He observed how education played a vital role in shaping a person's view of the world and providing a mechanism to advance through life. This led him to change his curricular focus from agriculture to education. He continued to pursue his education in New York City, earning a Master of Science in Education from the City University of New York, a Master of Art, and a Doctor of Education from Columbia University.

His professional career reflected his commitment and passion for educating others to follow their dreams of a better life. He began teaching youth in public schools in New York City before finding the path that led him to adult education. He taught in several higher education programs and eventually was promoted to Principal of the Brooklyn Adult Learning Center (BALC). One of few Principals of color in New York City. During his tenure at BALC, he earned several awards, including one for promoting literacy from the Literacy Assistance Center and a Legislative Resolution of Excellence from the New York State Legislature. He retired from BALC and became a full-time resident of Palm Coast. His desire to continue to empower adults to learn led him to a position as Adjunct Faculty at Daytona State College. Even outside of the classroom, when encountering students in Publix, the gas station, or other areas in the community, he would always stop to find out what they were doing and encourage them to go further.

During his early years in New York City, he married his first wife, Hermine Walker, a fellow student from Excelsior in Jamaica. Out of this union was born one of the loves of his life, his daughter Jacqueline. He enjoyed telling tales of traveling with Jackie, primarily to Jamaica and watching her learn why he loved living in the country. He felt blessed as he watched her mature into a self-sufficient woman. When she married Sam, they had Nicholas and Nathan, and he rejoiced in his first two grandchildren. Seeing his first great-grandson, Atlas, was a blessing beyond measure.

While completing the daunting task of a doctoral degree at Columbia University, he met and later married Alma Yearwood. They supported and cared for each other until they finished their postgraduate degrees. That love, support, and "I got your back" stance was the hallmark of their over 40 years together. Their son Jason entered their lives as a whirlwind and brought challenges coupled with moments of pure joy to their lives. Jason gave him eight grandchildren. Jack found pleasure in each of their distinct personalities.

Jack was more than just a family member or friend. He prided himself on listening carefully to what he was being told and remembering what was essential to anyone he encountered. Jack was a cheerleader for many who were uncertain of their next steps in life. He embraced those who sought his advice and actively invited them into his family, especially Kia and Dylan, who he loved as another grandson. Dylan gave Jack the title Pepa, which he wore proudly. He was delighted with his goddaughter Teren when she completed her dream of becoming a nurse.

To others, he was someone they could turn to for advice and support, as they might turn to a father. To Sean, Steven, and Skylar, he was such a person.

He was humble and open to learning new things and experiences, often traveling with Alma to share past experiences. He was unassuming and never forgot his Jamaican roots.

Jack earned his angel wings on August 16, 2024. He will not be forgotten by his wife Alma, daughter Jacquline (Lambert) son Jason, grandchildren Nicholas Nathan Dylan Ty'Merriah, Jayla, Jason Jr. Essence, Jalin, Ja'Moni, Jaxon, and Ethan, great-grandson Atlas, and sister Phylis.

His words of wisdom will continue to motivate all he held close to his heart, especially his sisters-in-law Barbara and Ruby, nieces Annette, Heather, Sonia (Paul), Sophia, Leslie (Joseph), Joi, Robin K., Robin D., Katie, and Rose. He was a wise presence in the lives of many, including David and Michael and his nephews Alex, Justin, Morris, Steven, Solomon, and Sean.

His life was enriched by many friends who will also miss his presence, cooking, and rum punch.

Waiting to greet and join him on his Heavenly journey are his mother, Rachel; father, Samuel; brother, Robert; sisters, Elsa and Joyce; nephews, Robert and Paul; beloved sister-in-law, Jean; and niece, Jazmine.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."  ~2 Timothy 4:7