William "Garrett" Jackson

William Garrett Jackson, 48, of Indianapolis passed away on September 22, 2023. While Garrett was not a person who sought the spotlight, those who know and love him say his presence was always felt. Garrett is remembered as a caretaker, a generous soul always willing to help and among the first to show up for others.

Garrett was born on March 17, 1975, in Anderson, Indiana, to Joseph Bryan Jackson and Vivian Marie (Cantwell) Mercer. He is a graduate of Frankton High School. Garrett married Karen Aruta on October 10, 2020, and lived in Indianapolis with Karen and their daughter, Mia, until his death.

Garrett was passionate about two things in life: his family and cars.

Exploring a junk yard or going to swap meets to find just the right part to bring an old vehicle back to life made him happy. Garrett parlayed this enjoyment of working on cars into a profession, working at Castleton Auto Repair for 20 years and forming lifelong friendships with many of his co-workers and clients.

But his greatest love was his girls.

Garrett met Karen in 2000 while visiting IBJ Media, where both his mother and his future wife were employed. Garrett and Karen began dating in 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history.

When Karen learned that they were expecting their daughter, her anxiety was quickly squelched by Garrett’s excitement. His ability to calm her fears was a constant throughout their relationship.

From the day he learned Mia was coming, Garrett embraced fatherhood. Mia was the apple of her daddy’s eye – he adored her – and the feeling was mutual. “Daddy just gets me better,” Mia often tells her mom.

Garrett also nurtured a close relationship with his parents and enjoyed spending time with his extended families. He was considered a walking encyclopedia of cars, music and movies and a joy to have around – a quiet, caring man yet always so full of life.

Until his death, Garrett spent time regularly with his dad, Joe, talking almost daily. Some of his most vivid childhood memories were summer trips with his paternal grandparents Joseph and Monna Jackson, and his cousin, Ashley Bodkins, exploring the southeastern United States.

Garrett is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Mia; father, Joseph Jackson (Joni); sisters, Carly Taylor and Casey Jackson; second mom, Debbie Jackson; aunts, Lisa Brown and Lee Ann Davis; nine cousins, four nieces and three nephews. Garrett was preceded in death by his mother, two aunts, one uncle and one cousin.

A memorial gathering will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple on Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Network Foundation (Please designate Oncology Patient Assistance or Cancer Care).