Matthew Jackson

Matthew Fleming Jackson

1984 - 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Matthew Fleming Jackson, on October 19, 2024, at 40 years old. Matthew, or "Matt" as he preferred, was born on January 21,1984, in Santa Maria, California.

Matt grew up in Santa Maria and graduated from Santa Maria High School. Matt loved a good story, embraced adventure, and made people laugh. As those who were a part of his life know, Matt was smart, unique, thoughtful, and funny.

Matt could, and would, talk to everyone. With a social circle as dynamic as he was, Matt had a knack for making friends. Childhood and high school friends remained in his life through adulthood. Whether at work, a catering job, a coin collector event, a barbecue, a friend's house, or even a hospital - Matt would meet someone and have an interesting conversation. Just like that, his circle was ever expanding. After his passing, we got a glimpse of just how wide Matt's reach ran.

If you knew Matt, you also knew he could masterfully weave references from his favorite movies into conversations, he believed hot sauce could be added to any food, and he was firm in his opinion that mustard was a superior condiment. Matt had a soft spot for animals, scaly or furry, it didn't matter. Reminding Matt of times his mother had to catch his iguana that escaped in his childhood bedroom always made him laugh.

Matt appreciated all things unique and intriguing. As a collector of coins, Matt found their details fascinating. Shortly before he passed away, Matt won a coin at a collecting event. This left Matt beaming. You see, one of the gifts Matt had was his ability to find happiness and peace in things that often went overlooked. Matt loved being outdoors, hiking, camping, gold panning, metal detecting, fishing, cooking, reading history, and exploring. Matt appreciated a good sunset, particularly the kind that left him unable to tell where heaven stopped, and the earth began. Those of us who have seen the movie Forrest Gump will recognize the reference. Matt would have appreciated that.

Matt was an adored son, brother, father, family member, and a friend. Beyond his humor, which Matt often led with, was a person who valued acts of kindness. The brother you wanted to go on an adventure with, Matt made our days fun, and he could always be counted on to celebrate important milestones. On a birthday, Matt was the first to send a greeting to start your day, the moment the clock turned midnight. If he saw something funny, Matt would send it your way. If he wanted to say hello, Matt was known to send a handwritten letter or card. Matt was also proud of being ordained to officiate weddings for his friends and family, which he did. Being included in a wedding was an honor for which Matt rose to the occasion, with his personality and heart woven into each word.

Alongside Matt's one-of-a-kind personality and wit were his hard work and goals. Matt enjoyed a culinary career, with a talent for embracing beauty in the chaos and complexities of running a kitchen. Matt shined as a chef, particularly with barbecue, which he loved and perfected. Matt often looked happiest when behind a grill, socializing with people he shared his food with. Barbecue aside, we would be remiss not to mention the smile on Matt's face when someone complimented the soups he carefully created. Matt would appreciate, if not expect, both be mentioned. Opening a food truck was a goal of Matt's. When able to work on his truck, Matt was uplifted envisioning what it could be.

Matt's great joy was his daughter, Olivia. Teaching Olivia baby sign language, having an impromptu dance party, and planning new foods to introduce to her, hoping she would share the same joy for food as he did, meant the world to Matt. Matt treasured his time with Olivia and he would have loved to have more. Olivia's sister, Katana, and brother, Raven, held a special place in Matt's life, with an ever-present connection as family.

Matt left this world too soon. He will be sorely missed. Our family cherished our time with Matt, as did those who knew him. In Matt's memory, he would be so pleased if you took a moment to appreciate something beautiful in nature, shared a memorable story about him, sent a handwritten note to make someone smile, or extended an act of kindness.

Matt is survived by his parents, Michael and Margarita Jackson; his siblings and their families, Christina Jackson (Cary Cauley and Lowe Cauley), Alexander Jackson, Patrick Jackson (Sonthida Palasak), Samuel Jackson; his daughter, Olivia Jackson and her mother, Richelle Nevarez; Katana Nevarez; Raven Nevarez; many loving family members; and a multitude of friends.

A memorial will be held for Matthew on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the Magner-Maloney funeral home chapel: 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, California. There will be a gathering at the family home thereafter, where everyone who is able to attend is welcome.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.