Arvester Lee Jackson

Arvester Lee Jackson, affectionately known as Ves and Big Wheel, was born in South Bend, Indiana on October 9, 1956 to the union of the late Lizan (Bryant) and the late Silas Jackson. On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, with his loving wife Kristin at his side, he peacefully passed away at home following a yearlong battle with congestive heart failure. He was 66 years old.

Ves was educated in the South Bend school system and graduated from the former LaSalle High School in 1974. On December 29, 1978 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed his active military Tour of Duty on October 11, 1984. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge he immediately reenlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve.  When Ves returned to civilian life he secured employment at Hydro Extrusions North America in North Liberty, Indiana. He worked there for several years before returning to active duty to fight in Operation Desert Storm. His military badges and awards include M-16 Rifle Sharpshooter, Hand Grenade Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

In mid-1991 Ves returned to his manufacturing position at Hydro Extrusions and retired in 2021 after 30 years. On July 15, 2010 he was united in marriage to Kristin Hinds. In late 2021 Ves secured a housekeeping position at the University of Notre Dame where he worked until his failing health no longer permitted him to work.

Along with his loving and devoted wife, Ves also leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Nikita Scott of  Saint Paul, Minnesota; a stepson Terrell Hinds of South Bend; three grandchildren, Alexas Winston, Sedrionna Neily and Deanna Scott; six great grandchildren; his siblings, Minnie Lee Reed of West Memphis, Arkansas; Norma Pearson, Erma Jackson, Annette Jackson and Lakeisha Jackson all of South Bend;  Evangelist Richard (and his wife, Mary) Jennings of Dover, Delaware; A.D. (and his wife, Forestine) Jackson, Jimmy (and his wife, Pam) Jackson and Edgar Lee (and his wife, Gloria) Alexander all of South Bend; two aunts, Rosie Dee Turner also of South Bend and Bonnie Brown of Long Beach, California; a special niece Tracey Pearson of South Bend and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mae Lee Nelson, Willie B. and Lillie B. Jennings; paternal grandparents Joseph and Beatrice Jackson; maternal grandparents Charlie and Julie Bryant and three nephews, Derrick Jennings, Chad Burnett and Dominique Jackson; one niece, Kathleen Stepter and one brother-in-law, Qunnen S. Burdine.

Big Wheel was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was soft spoken with a healthy and hearty laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his family; playing pool, playing cards, and going to blues and other music concerts with his family. He will be dearly missed by those who loved and knew him.

Your golden heart stopped beating, your weary frame’s at rest. It broke our hearts to lose you, but God only takes the best. 

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