Nobody did it for the kids as much as Mike did. I can honestly say that I don't think he ever made a dime off of coaching and the beauty of it is he didn't care. None of us get rich by coaching, but Mike was the constant reminder as to why we do what we do. Mike, I'll miss you greatly "Big Man" -- K.Stallings

Mike was always quick to offer encouragement to skaters before, during and after a race, and as old as I am, it still felt good to hear. Mike will be missed. He genuinely cared about his skaters and Gt Speed, as well as the sport as a whole. -- M. Smith

Mike Jackson never made a penny for coaching but that never bothered him. He did it for the love of the sport and the kids. The lives that he touched made him a wealthy, wealthy man! -- Grayson (Looney's)

Mike always made us feel at home, no matter where we were. When Daniel first started skating, Mike was there, guiding us through the maze "how to's" on race day. He always had great words of encouragement for Daniel and all the kids. He will be greatly missed!! -- C. Stuart

It was such a pleasure to know Mike Jackson....we will miss him...his kind words....his great big heart with hugs to match. -- The Rowes

He was a wonderful guy, and always gave Anthony and Jessie encouragement with their skating. We will always remember Mike's positive energy, warm smile and selfless service that he gave to GT Speed. -- The Marinellis

My heart is heavy for the GT family. Please know that we will have a moment of silence at our practice this evening to honor Mike and his skaters and families. -- D. Bowe, Team Florida

Mike always had a smile for me every time that I saw him. Ryan and I have not been around GT Speed in a while but will always have great memories of speed skating and the coaches and families. I am sorry to say that I did not tell Mike how wonderful it was to see his smiling face while I had the chance to. I will remember that in the future and try to honor Mike by telling the people in my life how much they mean to me before it is too late. -- Cindy & Ryan Cox

Coach-Friend Mike Jackson had a great impact on my life for many years. Without Mike Jackson, Speed Skating would not have existed in Montgomery and many owe Mike a life time of thanks for the great experiences and opportunities he provided us with. Mike made successes of myself and many skaters and sacrificed to make positive impacts in young peoples lives. My heart is heavy with grief as I am quite far from Alabama. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone as we all reflect on the great memories. - Casey Darby

He was such a wonderful man, and the skating family will miss him dearly. He was like a brother to Philip. He was always there when you needed him, and always ready to praise you for your accomplishments. It is a great loss to all who knew him.-- S. Sutherland

Mike was the best person in the world to me. He would do anything and everything in the world for me. Even though his body is gone he's still with us and I wish everybody the best at nationals and skate your hearts out for Mike. I know we all miss Mike but just know that anytime you need him he's right there with you, best luck to everybody at nationals. -- M. Kaye

I remember when I first met Mike he was coaching what seemed like the 'bad news bears' of roller skating, but Mike turned a hand full of those guys and girls into national champions. I skated for many years and had the honor to skate with Mike with Southern Reign (a team he helped coach for a couple of years) then I moved to Montgomery to start my new life. Mike always was more than happy to let me come a practice with him. People like Mike are the reason I skated and the reason I love the sport so much. This world and all of our lives are better because we had the honor of having him in it. Over the past tens years or so we have lost some good people in this sport Nick and Tommy Whitaker Mike Jackson and some others. I know one thing for sure God must be building one heck of a team up there,Mike. We will all miss you but we will see you again someday so keep the boys straight until we get there. --Scott Angus