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Jess Jackson Obituary
Caroline Shaw, a spokeswoman for Jackson's company Jackson Family Wines, confirmed Jackson's death Thursday.
In recent years, Jackson was one of horse racing's leading owners. He campaigned two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, and then purchased a majority interest in Rachel Alexandra, the sensational filly who was Horse of the Year in 2009.
As a California vintner, Jackson built a multimillion-dollar empire on chardonnay with his popular Kendall-Jackson brand before moving into the racehorse business with his Stonestreet Stable.
A letter on his company's website ended by asking friends to "take a moment this week to lift a glass and join us in a toast to our friend and founder Jess Jackson."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
57 Entries
Eric Eugene Davis
August 10, 2012
All my best to the immediate family as I recently found a DNA match as family in the Jackson Family Tree.
Mike Mudd
February 16, 2012
I wish I had met Mr. Jackson. I am sorry for his family's loss, yet happy Mr. Jackson was given the opportunity in life to pursue his dreams. God Bless
Bob Roux
May 11, 2011
I knew Jess as a man of great intelligence, vision and generosity. I was privileged to work for him for many years and fortunate to have been exposed to a man who put family and friends above all else. He is a man who was greatly admired and will missed by many.
Sarah Graves
May 5, 2011
Jess Jackson was a rare man of determination, brilliance and vitality. He demanded the best from those around him without apology. His wines have been part of my life for 24+ years, including being his on his management team for 13 variety-filled years. The depth and breadth of the portfolio are matchless, much like him. I shall always remember his strength combined with tenderness when he spoke about family and how important each one was to his life and purpose. I feel so fortunate to have worked for Jess & Barbara. My prayers are with you Barbara, Jenny, Laura and all the family. Cheers, Jess, and give St. Peter a break up there!
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Mary Baig
May 2, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. We are sending sympathy and prayers for comfort and guidance as you face the difficult days ahead. May he rest in peace.
Ceja
April 28, 2011
Sonoma County will miss Mr. Jackson, my father has worked for Kendall Jackson for over ten years and i've always heard great things he did for his employees. He was a true inspiration to all. May he rest in peace.
Shirley Sagnay
April 27, 2011
To the Jackson family and friends I am deeply sorry for your loss God Bless Rest in Peace Mr. Jackson.
Vera Bohan
April 25, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy to the Jackson family.
It was such fun at the class of '48 reunions that Jess hosted. Such a generous and congenial man.
Tim & Marie Roelen
April 25, 2011
To the Jackson Family, We mourn your loss with you. May Jess Rest in Peace
and God Bless you all
l'Ete du Vin Nashville Wine Auction
April 25, 2011
To the Jess Jackson Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn together the loss of Jess Jackson. Our mission to unite the wine community in the fight against cancer is impassioned today as another battle with this disease has been lost. Our deepest symphathy, l'Ete' du Vin, the Nashville Wine Auction.
Johanne Seymour/Lefebvre
April 25, 2011
To the Jackson Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jess was an amazing man who I enjoyed working with in the former DAC days for Kendall-Jackson. He will be missed may he Rest in Peace. God Bless you all!
Mark Angell
April 25, 2011
To the Jackson Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Jenny in Burlingame and met Jess(Mr. Jackson to me) when we worked on a biology project. He was an amazing man.
Joanie Winkley
April 25, 2011
Jess Jackson was larger than life with a kind soul. He wagreens ilia yet gracious. He will be sorely missed in the wine industry as well asnthenhorse racing industry. My condolences to his family.
Margaret Beard
April 24, 2011
Condolences to the familiies and friends of Mr. Jess Jackson.
May you all received comfort from our Heavenly Father who is the God of comfort for all those who are mourning." Isaiah 61:2. He comfort us all in ALL our tribuations.
Theresa Gibson
April 24, 2011
To the Jackson Family,
I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Jess. I worked very close to he and Barbara at Kendall Jackson and Jackson Family Farms, and I was always amazed at his caring spirit and humility. He will surly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Sincerely,
Theresa Gibson
April 23, 2011
Floyd Seaborn & Family Jollette, La.
Dolores Gannon-Thain
April 23, 2011
Jenny & Laura (and Jane), I have never forgotten Jess and all the lessons of life he taught me. Nor will I ever forget the trips he generously gave to me as my bonuses for working with his law firm. I have followed his life as best I could over the years and always knew he was my "King Midas". I loved his dynamic spirit and his zest for life. I knew him as one of the best land use trial attorneys in CA. My sympathy to you and all your loved ones.
Dolores (Gannon) Thain
Jenkins Montgomery
April 23, 2011
With deepest condolences, to The Jackson Family
Psalms 37:11
b
April 23, 2011
We are sorry about your lost. We all yearn for the days when death will be no more.And sickness will pass away.Our deepest sympathy goes to your family.
Shelley Wagner-Fowler
April 22, 2011
The Jackson Family.
Don't know your family, nor Jess, but would like to just wish my families deepest sympathy and offer of prayers at the loss of a beloved county figure but a beloved husband, Father and Grandfather. He was an IKON of strength, values, and what I have read an amazing family man. Bless you all at this time of deepest sorrow.
Peter and Barbara Primiani
April 22, 2011
For Barbara, Jane, Jenny and Laura, I was so saddened to hear of Jess's passing today. I will always remember the beautiful bridal shower Jess and Jane gave Barbara prior to our marriage back in 1976. Jess was one of my father's best friends - they played golf together for many years and I have always believed they would have gone into the winery business together if my father hadn't passed away back in 1981. In 1979, I showed Jess and my father property in Santa Rosa for a location of a vineyard. Jess had the Lakeport property then and had rented some warehouse space in Napa where he was first starting to produce his own wine.
When we moved to Virginia in 1981, Jess came to visit once having just won his first gold medal with his new wine. He had mapped out specific distribution points throughout the country to visit and was marketing his own wine. He was such an entrapreneur. I believe that is what made him so special while other would fail.
Over all these years I have always cherished my many memories of Jess and followed his success knowing I was involved at the very beginning.
My love to you all.
Francis Recore
April 22, 2011
A special toast to Jess Jackson...the creator of some of the greatest wines ever made. Here's to you Jess...
Frank Recore
April 22, 2011
We have treasured the fruits of the Kendall-Jackson wineries for years having some of the best wines ever created. I am so very sorry for such a great loss to your family.
Elizabeth Vella Conway
April 22, 2011
Dear Barbara and Family,
It was an honor to have worked for Mr. Jackson and I am so sad to hear of his death. My deepest condolence and heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Roxanne Cimarrustti
April 22, 2011
To The Jackson Family Members: My thoughts are with you. Jess was an incredible man. I learned so much from him. This world has lost one of its best.
April 22, 2011
Dear Barbara, Larry and I send our condolences to you and your family for your loss of Jess. The Press Democrat's tribute to him today was impressive, as was Jess himself. You must feel very blessed to have been his partner in life and share all of those experiences. May the wonderful memories take you forward and bring a smile to your face. Sincerely, Larry and Jackie Simons, Santa Rosa, CA
L.H.
April 22, 2011
To the Jackson Family:
May you have peace in knowing you all will be together again. Stay strong for one another. God Bless Will have one for you Mr. Jackson.
Sharol Duenas
April 22, 2011
Barbara and Family,
I enjoyed the opportunity of meeting and working with you and your family. My prayers and thoughts go out to you. We share your sadness and hope that in some way it helps to let you know that many thoughts are with you today.
April 22, 2011
Dear Barbara & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jess will be missed by so many people. Sincerely, Steve & donna Reeder
Shirley Silva
April 22, 2011
To the family. We are so saddened to hear of Mr. Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a wonderful person.
Mary Fallis & Shirley Silva
Jette & Soeren
April 22, 2011
We will lift a glass for you and be thankfull for all wonders you made out of grapes and the magic place that you have created!
Sharlene Dimak
April 22, 2011
"CHEERS" Mr. Jackson.....:)
April 22, 2011
April 22, 2011.
To Barbara and the entire family. My thoughts and prays go out to you. Jess was a great man and a true inspiration.
Fred Greenfield
Fred Greenfield
April 22, 2011
April 22, 2011.
To Barbara and the entire family. My thoughts and prays go out to you. Jess was a great man and a true inspiration.
Fred Greenfield
K. Henderson
April 22, 2011
I have enjoyed the Kendall-Jackson winery for years some of the best wines I have tasted. I am so very sorry for such a great loss to your family. My God strengthen your family. (Psalm 46:1)
Marlene Smith
April 22, 2011
To the Jackson Family,
I feel honored to have met Mr. Jess Jackson.
What I remember most is his kind voice and sincerity when he spoke.
Although I saw Jess but a few times... I was deeply saddened by his passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jess and his entire family.
Marlene Smith
Bryan Scott
April 22, 2011
Jess Jackson a true Sonoma County Pioneer. His vision leadership and generosity will be missed by the community at large. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Christine Barry
April 21, 2011
Rest in Peace Jess. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your family. You will be missed in Sonoma County. My prayers are with your family during this time.
George Parkinson
April 21, 2011
I always thought he would live forever. Men like Jess come along rarely in life and I for one feel blessed to have known him, worked for him, experienced his passion for the land, people, great wine, horses and history. My prayers go out to barbara and the family. His person will be missed, his spirit will always remain with us. Peace
Just Beyond the Gates of Heaven
Lanie Johnson
April 21, 2011
Mr. Jackson....you may now enjoy the company of the greats in history...I hope they all race every day for you...may you walk through the greenest grasses with the Almighty's love...I wish for you the serenity of pastures of Kentucky Bluegrass shining and smelling sweet in the early Spring...the thrill and freedom of the thoroughbreds who have graced us with their presence...the birds singing all day...and just beyond..vineyards ripe...and in the wind the sound of those you love whispering...all of this...for eternity.
glenn bardgett
April 21, 2011
this is one of those occasions when we say goodbye to great imagination and leadership. people of great vision and quality are rare. raising a glass to mr. jackson.
G Willis
April 21, 2011
To the Jackson Family; I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of comfort be with you durning this difficult time and find comfort in Rev 21:3,4.
Fred Mann
April 21, 2011
Jess Jackson will always remain in my memory as one of the finest men I have ever known. I will treasure forever the time I spent with him working on a advertising campaign for the winery some years ago. While waiting for him at the tasting room one day and sampling some of his wonderful wines I felt a large hand on my shoulder and turned to see Jess who greeted me with his warm and friendly smile and led me up to the inner sanctum where we had a lively and stimulating conversation about his vision for the campaign. My deepest condolences go to Barbara and the children.
Marcos Guillermo
April 21, 2011
R.I.P. MR JESS AND OUR MOST SINCERE SYMPATHIES FROM MARCOS L. GUILLERMO AND FAMILY.
Glenda Smith
April 21, 2011
It was a great privilege and honor to have worked with and for Jess Jackson. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family that wonderful memories fill them at this time of sorrow.
Marcos Guillermo
April 21, 2011
R.I.P. MR. JESS AND OUR DEEP SYMPATHIES TO HIS FAMILY FROM THE GUILLERMO FAMILY.
April 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
R Golay
April 21, 2011
To the the family of Jess Jackson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Jess will be missed by many.
Kendall-Jackson
Ann & Bob Lacey
April 21, 2011
I do pet therapy with our dogs. Our "almost" 4yr.-old Sheltie is named Kendall-Jackson. (It's our favorite wine!) Everyone who meets Kendall loves the name. It really suits him. We are saddened to hear of Jess Jackson's passing. I'm sure he will be missed by many...
Jim Phillips
April 21, 2011
I drove many a load of wine and juice for Kendall Jackson. Although I never met mr. Jackson in person I know that he opperated a business very proffesionally and I was always treated with respect and courtesy when ever I carried his wine. I know that Mr. Jackson will be missed.
Gail Gamble
April 21, 2011
To the family of Jess Jackson, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know the pain from losing someone you love, I find much comfort from the Bible where it assures us that Our Heavenly Father is near to those who are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Mark Osmun
April 21, 2011
Our deep sympathies go to the Jackson family. Jess Jackson changed both the wine industry and the sport of horse racing. He was a dynamic figure the likes of which we will not soon see again.
Renie and Sterling Steves
April 21, 2011
Our heartfelt sympathy to Barbara and the family. Huge Thanks to Jess for the millions of folks he brought into the world of wine.
April 21, 2011
For Barbara, Jenny & Laura
One of two men that had the biggest influence on my life. I am so sorry.
Marie Steele-Beery
Jim Dooher
April 21, 2011
Jess -
Thank you for being the role model of honesty and integrity. You left your mark on this world through your actions and sharing your monies with just causes. Yours was not a wasted life.
God Bless you.
Hector Bedolla
April 21, 2011
We mourn the loss of a great man and true leader of industry. May he rest in peace in the presence of out Lord.
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