Earl Jackson (center right with tan shirt and black pants) is pictured surrounded by Castle Pines Village neighbors who came out to show him their support on his final day of work. “I’m going to miss Mr. Jackson so much! He had such a great attitude, and always made people feel welcome. I loved talking with him every time we came into the neighborhood!” stated resident Katie S. Jackson is now working as a driver for ABM Car Services.

Article and photos by Amy Shanahan

Every so often we meet people who just make us feel good inside. They emit a kindness, warmth and joy in their gestures and in their smile. They have that special “something” that makes us want to be around them. Earl Jackson is one of those rare people.

Jackson served as a gate officer at Gate 5 in Castle Pines Village (CPV) up until May when he resigned. To many residents and visitors, he was much more than a guard at a gate. Jackson became a friend. Jackson was well known for his infectious smile and friendly wave, and he took a true interest in the families and visitors who made their way through his gate on a frequent basis.

Jackson served as the gate officer at Gate 5 for just over two years, and in May he greeted people for the last time. Jackson took a second job in order to support his family, and had hoped to remain at CPV on a part time basis. Unfortunately, the changes to his schedule could not be accommodated, and he was forced to resign.

At 6:30 p.m. on his last day of work, residents organized a huge show of love and support for their favorite gate officer. Approximately 50 residents turned out with signs and t-shirts emblazoned with an “E” for Earl.

Neighbors and visitors who made their way through the gate that evening honked their horns, waved, and yelled in support. Many who were coming back home literally parked their cars and joined in the rally.

Castle Pines Village resident Erin Moroni organized the event and remarked, “Truthfully Earl is one of the most charismatic, magnetic, happy people I have EVER met. He has impacted not just my family, but everyone who knows him.”
I wanted him to be able to stay and even though that didn’t happen due to extenuating circumstances, I wanted him to truly know how influential of a human being he is.”

Jackson, who is originally from New Orleans, is married to his wife Dionne and they have five children. “I love the Village and the residents,” he remarked. “My favorite part of my job was waving, meeting people, smiling and making sure the residents, kids and guests were happy before leaving or coming home.”

Jackson had a special rapport with the kids who live in the Village. Resident Mindy Metcalf remarked, “My kids love him! The entire bus load of kids practically tip the bus over every day waving hello to him on their way back into the Village.” Kids loved to bring him treats like frozen yogurt or homemade cookies to show him how much they cared about him.

Resident Denise Ingram shared her story that occurred this past Thanksgiving. Jackson was working that day and she and her family brought him a plate of food. When she arrived, he already had eight plates of food brought to him by other neighbors!

Jackson was overwhelmed by the show of support from residents on his last day of work. “I was very, very surprised and happy at all the love and support from the residents of Castle Pines Village.” At one point during the rally, Jackson sent his wife a photo of what was going on, and she began to cry. “She couldn’t believe what was happening!”

Jackson took a new job as a driver for ABM Car Services. He is available to drive clients to the airport and anywhere else in town, and he is looking forward to driving many of the residents from the Village that he formerly greeted. If you are in need of a driver, Earl Jackson may be contacted by calling 303-523-7911.