Jackson Gillis, the middle son of three brothers, was born to Ridgway M. Gillis, a prominent civil engineer who worked for the esteemed Washington State Highway Department, and his wife Marjorie Lyman.
As the years unfolded, Jackson's life took a significant turn, as he embarked on a journey to pursue higher education, ultimately attending and successfully graduating from the prestigious Stanford University, a renowned institution of learning.
In the summer of 1941, a pivotal moment in his life occurred, as he exchanged vows with the talented and captivating stage actress, Patricia Cassidy, thus commencing a lifelong partnership that would endure for many years to come.
Jackson's military tenure during World War II was characterized by his appointment as an intelligence officer with the 184th Infantry Regiment, where he spent a significant period of time serving in the Pacific theater of operations. Upon completing his military service, Jackson relinquished his commission as a lieutenant colonel in the Army and transitioned back to a career in radio scriptwriting, creating engaging narratives for the widely popular radio series "Let George Do It."
As the years went by, Jackson's impressive career took a turn towards the small screen, as he dedicated himself to crafting a multitude of episodes for some of the most iconic television shows of the time.
He lent his creative expertise to the production of Perry Mason, a legendary series that premiered in 1957 and captivated audiences with its gripping mysteries and memorable characters.
Additionally, Jackson's skills were showcased in the popular family-friendly show Lassie, which debuted in 1954 and has since become a beloved classic.
His work on Racket Squad, a crime drama that first aired in 1950, further demonstrated his versatility as a writer and his ability to craft compelling stories that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Furthermore, Jackson's talents were also utilized on the popular children's show The Mickey Mouse Club, which premiered in 1955 and featured a talented group of young performers.
In addition to his work as a writer, Jackson also had the opportunity to serve as an associate producer on the hit series Perry Mason, a role that allowed him to bring his expertise and vision to the forefront of the production process.
Jackson's illustrious career in television writing endured with his remarkable contributions to the esteemed "Columbo" series, which boasted the exceptional talents of the renowned Peter Falk, earning him a prestigious Emmy nomination for one of his masterfully crafted scripts. Following a tenure spanning over four decades, Jackson Gillis ultimately bid farewell to the industry in the year 1996, relocating to a quaint, idyllic town in the state of Idaho, where he settled down with his loving wife.
