Gary Jackson is the Business Owner and Captain at Burial at Sea, a family-owned company providing personalized ocean memorial and funeral services in San Pedro, CA, and throughout Southern California. With over 35 years in business, Gary brings expertise in boating and funeral services to a company dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones through meaningful ceremonies at sea.

Since 1991, Burial at Sea has served more than 1,000 families, offering services that include scattering ashes, full-body burials, and personalized ocean memorials. As a business owner and captain, Gary’s professional background combines maritime knowledge with an understanding of the services involved in arranging respectful farewells on the water.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Gary enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly skiing, fishing, and camping. His interests reflect an appreciation for outdoor activities that complement his professional involvement in boating.

Previous Experience and History: Over 35 Years in Business

Gary’s professional background is closely connected to Burial at Sea, which has operated since 1991. The company’s more than 35 years of experience reflect its longstanding involvement in providing ocean burial and memorial services to families throughout Southern California.

Over the years, Burial at Sea has assisted more than 1,000 families with arrangements for honoring loved ones at sea. Its services accommodate different memorial preferences, including traditional full-body burials and ceremonies involving the scattering of cremated remains.

The company has developed its services around the practical and personal considerations involved in ocean memorials. These include providing suitable vessels, coordinating burial arrangements, preparing necessary documentation, and helping families understand their available options.

Burial at Sea also emphasizes compliance with applicable federal and state regulations governing ocean burials. This attention to established requirements is an important part of providing services that respect both family wishes and the responsibilities associated with conducting memorial ceremonies at sea.

Gary’s experience as a business owner and captain places boating and funeral services at the center of his professional background.

Highlights of Current Work: Helping Families Honor Loved Ones at Sea

As the Business Owner and Captain of Burial at Sea, Gary is associated with a company that provides several options for families considering ocean memorial services.

Burial at Sea specializes in personalized ceremonies designed to accommodate different family preferences, traditions, and memorial arrangements. Its services are available to families in San Pedro and throughout Southern California.

The company’s primary services include:

• Scattering ashes at sea: Burial at Sea provides ceremonies for families who wish to scatter their loved one’s cremated remains in the ocean. Services can be customized according to family size and individual preferences.
• Full-body burial at sea: The company assists families with traditional full-body ocean burials, including the preparation, documentation, and arrangements required for these services.
• Boat services for ocean memorials: Burial at Sea provides a specialized vessel that accommodates both ash scattering ceremonies and casket burials.
• Personalized memorial arrangements: The company helps families plan ceremonies that reflect their loved one’s wishes, personal traditions, and preferred type of farewell.

Burial at Sea also guides families who are planning or need to arrange services immediately.

Its approach emphasizes personalized assistance, respectful ceremonies, and attention to the details involved in organizing memorial services on the water.

As a family-owned and locally operated business, Burial at Sea offers free same-day estimates and discounts for military members and first responders.

These services reflect the company’s established focus on making ocean memorial arrangements accessible to families with different needs and preferences.

Areas of Expertise: Boating and Funeral Services

Gary’s areas of expertise include boating and funeral services, two fields that are directly connected through his work at Burial at Sea.

Boating and maritime services

As a captain, Gary’s professional expertise includes boating. This knowledge is particularly relevant to a business that conducts memorial ceremonies aboard vessels in an ocean environment.

Burial at Sea operates a specialized boat designed to accommodate ash scattering ceremonies and traditional casket burials. The company maintains its vessel to established standards and emphasizes respectful, professional operations during memorial journeys.

Boating is an essential component of these services, as families rely on appropriate vessels and experienced captains when arranging ceremonies at sea.

Funeral services and ocean memorial arrangements

Gary’s expertise also includes funeral services, with a professional focus on burial at sea arrangements.

Burial at Sea assists with several aspects of ocean memorial planning, including selecting an appropriate service, coordinating arrangements, and addressing documentation requirements.

The company offers both cremated remains scattering and full-body burial services, allowing families to consider different options for honoring their loved ones.

Its services also account for the personal nature of memorial ceremonies. Families can discuss their preferences and traditions when arranging a farewell, helping ensure that the ceremony reflects their intentions.

Sharing information about burial at sea

Gary also contributes educational content through articles published on the Burial at Sea website.

His published articles address practical questions and considerations related to ocean memorials, cremation, and funeral planning.

Topics include selecting a burial at sea provider, understanding full-body burial costs, choosing biodegradable urns, and preparing for memorial ceremonies.

This written content provides families with information about the different decisions involved in arranging a burial at sea.

Publications: Educational Articles on Ocean Memorial Services

In addition to his work as a business owner and captain, Gary is credited as the author of multiple educational articles published on the Burial at Sea website.

His articles cover a range of subjects related to funeral services, ocean burials, and memorial planning.

Selected publications include:

• What Questions Should You Ask a Burial at Sea Service Provider? — August 8, 2026
• What to Do With Pet Ashes? Everything You Need to Know — July 8, 2026
• What to Wear to a Burial at Sea Ceremony? — June 9, 2026
• How to Plan a Virtual Burial at Sea for Remote Family Members? — May 8, 2026
• How Much Does a Full Body Burial at Sea Cost in 2026? — April 17, 2026
• Biodegradable Cremation Urns: How to Choose the Right One for Scattering Ashes — January 27, 2026

Gary has also authored articles discussing cremation, the behavior of human ashes in water, and environmentally conscious memorial services.

These publications address common questions families may have when exploring ocean burial options and preparing to make funeral arrangements.

Interests and Fun Facts: Enjoying the Outdoors

Outside his professional work, Gary enjoys staying active outdoors. His personal interests include skiing, fishing, and camping.

These activities reflect his enjoyment of outdoor recreation, whether spending time on the water, exploring natural surroundings, or participating in seasonal activities.

Fishing is particularly connected to the marine environment in which he works professionally, while skiing and camping offer additional ways to enjoy time outdoors.

Together, these interests provide a personal perspective on Gary beyond his responsibilities as a business owner and captain.

Contact Burial at Sea to Discuss Your Memorial Arrangements

With over 35 years in business, Burial at Sea continues to provide personalized ocean memorial services for families throughout Southern California.

Whether you are considering scattering ashes, arranging a full-body burial at sea, or exploring available memorial options, the company can help you understand the services and arrangements involved.

Contact Burial at Sea today at (310) 870-0114 to discuss your family’s needs, request a free same-day estimate, or learn more about planning a meaningful farewell on the ocean.