The late Chris Jackson was a beloved member of the Springfield community. His unexpected passing has left his family and friends in deep sorrow. Chris, a former Rugby player from Australia, was known for his infectious sense of humor and his dedication as the head coach of the Springfield Rugby Football Club. He also worked as the Airfield Maintenance Supervisor at the Springfield-Branson airport. Above all, Chris was a devoted husband to his wife, Suzanne, and a loving father to their three children.
Chris was hospitalized following a severe stroke on June 27th and, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he passed away peacefully on June 29th. In his final act of kindness, Chris was able to donate his organs, offering a second chance at life to three people in need. This loss at the age of 42 was a complete shock to his family, who are now grappling with the emotional and financial fallout.
Suzanne Jackson now faces the overwhelming challenge of navigating life without Chris. As a stay-at-home mom, she is confronted with significant financial burdens, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and the ongoing monthly obligations of supporting their family. Unfortunately, there was no life insurance policy in place, adding to the financial strain.
Brianna Varghese, a family friend, along with Katie Klocksiem, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Suzanne and her children during this incredibly difficult time. As of yesterday, the fundraiser has raised $4,940 of its $30,000 goal from 55 donations. Brianna shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, urging the community to contribute:
"Please consider contributing to help our sweet friends the Jacksons, who just unexpectedly lost their husband and father, Chris. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out for support for his wife, Suzanne, and their three children. Suzanne now faces the overwhelming challenge of navigating life without Chris, along with significant financial burdens. We have set up a GoFundMe to help with this. If you are able, please consider donating and/or sharing this link. Your generosity, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for Suzanne and her kids as they begin to heal from this heartbreaking loss. Thank you for your support and kindness."
The outpouring of support from the community has been a beacon of hope for Suzanne and her children. Melissa Grout’s $500 donation stands out among the contributions, showing the depth of the community’s empathy and solidarity. Despite the individual pain and bureaucratic challenges, this fundraising effort underscores the necessity for collective togetherness in times of crisis.
Chris Jackson’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the support from the community is a testament to the impact he had on many lives. The Jackson family continues to lean on this support as they navigate the difficult journey ahead.
Note:This post was written and edited by Ryan Smith, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.