Clay “Brad” Jackson

August 9, 1956 — April 1, 2024

Clay Bradford Jackson (Brad), a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, suddenly left us on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Brad was born in Houston, TX at Ellington Fields, now NASA, on August 9, 1956. Growing up in a military family and as an Air Force “brat”, he lived in numerous places and graduated from Balboa High located in the Panama Canal Zone. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD., where he rowed crew and was an avid sailor. As a member of the USNA sailing team, he captained the “Insurgente” in a major race to Bermuda and finished first in its class. He was a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in Engineering. At Tulane, he was a sailing instructor and a DJ for the Tulane campus radio. In his senior year he was offered a commission in the US Coast guard. He chose, instead, to work offshore for ODECO as a driller-in-training.

While in New Orleans, Brad met, Cathy, his best friend and wife of 38 happy years. They were married in 1984 and lived in New Orleans for 10 years until moving to Opelousas in 1992. Brad not only created one of the first computer companies in the region upon their move, but also became an official member of the Hebert Dancentre family where he was an exceptional “dance studio husband” providing endless support.

Brad was the personification of the word, gentleman. He had a value system that was far above the standard, always showing kindness, compassion, and grace regardless of the situation. He was a patriot with a deep commitment to his community as a preservationist and to veteran affairs, and he was deeply devoted to the performing arts. Brad loved Opelousas and worked tirelessly to make it a beautiful place. He served on and was the chairman of the Opelousas Tree Board. He and his friend Dr. Thomas Mego planted 12 live oak trees in the community during their tenure. Brad and Cathy were also dedicated to improving the lives of homeless animals and rescued countless animals throughout their time in Opelousas.

Brad’s spirit lives on through his dear, wife Cathy; three siblings, Blake Britton Jackson, Virginia Britton Smith, and Elizabeth “Sissy” Snow Jackson; and his mother, Mary Gaissert Jackson along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Brad was preceded in death by his father, Clay Bradford Jackson, Sr.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the nonprofit organizations Brad was passionate about: The Preservationists of St. Landry Inc., restoring the Prudhomme House at 100 West Bellevue Street, Opelousas, La. 70570 and The Oldest Governor’s Mansion in LA Foundation, Inc, OGMLA, 324 W. North St., Opelousas, La. 70570 which will distribute funds to the Bloch Street Space Performing Arts Center. You
can also donate to OGMLA/Bloch Street Performing Art Space via the link https://gofund.me/397b4491.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas .